Attitude and perceptions of fifth term medical students of Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, regarding teaching methods and their learning in pharmacology

Abstract

Background: Pharmacology, like any other branch of medicine, is progressing by leaps and bounds. Consequently, reforms in undergraduate teaching are the need of the hour. Aims and Objectives: To determine the medical students’ perception and receive feedback on teaching and learning of pharmacology in our institution. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on the questionnaire. A pre-validated and pre-designed questionnaire containing 14 points was administered to fifth term medical students. The 2nd year students were enrolled for the study at their end of the fifth term before university examinations. Results: About 78% wanted the faculty members to make more use of audio-visual aids for effective learning. Only 25% participants felt rabbit eye experiments were appropriate and relevant to the present days of practical pharmacology reflecting a need for reforms. 30% of the students were willing to consider pharmacology as one of the subjects for postgraduation. 70% of the students agreed that calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g. Vd, t1/2, clearance) was relevant and helped in better understanding of general pharmacology. Conclusion: The results of our study revealed a positive feedback from students which will help in making the teaching program in pharmacology more interesting and relevant.