Introducing six thinking hats as a teaching learning tool in first year professional MBBS students

Abstract

Introduction: After the revision implementation of New Medical curriculum after almost 25 years by the Medical council of India, serious changes need to be introduced in biochemistry teaching learning methodology to make it an interesting, more clinically oriented subject. Also the aim is to enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills in the medical students. To achieve the same, small group learning forms the cornerstone of various teaching Learning strategies. Six Thinking Hats strategy, discovered by D’bono can go a long way to help switch in Thinking. Materials and Methods: The present inter ventional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, SGRDIMSAR Amritsar. The faculty and students were sensitized with this new six thinking hats teaching learning tool. Activity was conducted during practical classes of first year MBBS students where they were already divided into batch of 75 students in each. Students were informed one week prior about the topics. On the day of event, 75 students were divided into four groups comprising of 18 students each. Six students from each group were selected randomly using chit method were given coloured hats indicating different purpose. At the end of each session, the students were assessed by post test and pre-validated (validated by faculty) feedback questionnaire. Results: Data was statistically analyzed and 89.4% of students agreed that it played an important role in enhancing critical learning. Students also agreed that Six Thinking hats helped them increase their analytical skills to solve the given problem and 88.7% found it helpful in future application of this biochemical knowledge in future application of their clinical classes. Keywords: Six Thinking Hats, Biochemistry, Small Group Learning, Critical thinking.