Learning medical biochemistry by combination of traditional & modern teaching methods: students perceptions

Abstract

Biochemistry is the key subjects for a clinical diagnosis because that’s depends on laboratory analysis of body fluids. Detailed information of clinical biochemistry is essential for proper diagnosis of clinical and its effective management . Very little is known about the students' perceptions towards improving the teaching of biochemistry. : Data was analysed from feedback forms of a questionnaire study from the first year students of a medical college in India. The self administered questionnaire which were related to liking the subject of biochemistry, rating of the different topics and the effectiveness of teaching methods. Regarding coordinated approach with multiple teaching tools like Didactic lecture (DL), Group Based Learning (GBL),Video Based Learning( VBL ) ,Case Based Learning (CBL) most students felt that it was useful toward understand biochemistry better (79%),learn biochemistry better (83%),find out importance of biochemistry in future medicine (84%),prepare for university examination (81%). Practical exercises, lectures, exams, and other methods have been found by majority of the students to be the excellent or very good methods, for effectively teaching biochemistry. Through the study, depending on the topic to be covered the combination of the teaching methods is beneficial to improve the understanding and retaining of the subjects better as perceived by the students.