Usefulness of Animal Simulator Software in teaching Amphibian Physiology Practical for 1st Prof MBBS Students

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Amphibian experiments in Physiology Practical classes are at present taught by using simple lecture-demonstrations as killing of animals for laboratory use has become controversial especially after the intervention of animal rights activists. Animal Simulation method could be used as an alternative to it.The present study tried to see the knowledge gained by the 1st Prof MBBS students by using Animal Simulation model in Amphibian Physiology Practical classes as compared to conventional Lecture-Demonstration method. It also tried to find out that the difference in knowledge gain by Poor performing students as compared to Good Performers. The student’s Perception on this simulation based T-L Methodology was also surveyed. Material & Methods: This interventional, prospective study was done in the department of Physiology, B. S. Medical College, Bankura, after obtaining proper written approval from the institutional ethics committee. Pre-test was conducted by a validated Questionnaire consisting 25 MCQs. Then the class of 150 1st Year medical students was divided into two groups of 75 students each by Systematic Random Sampling. Group 1 or Case attended Animal Simulation ((Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd, product@animalsimulator.com) Method while other batch of students (Group 2, Control) attended Lecture-demonstration. After 15 days both the groups were tested with the same questionnaire (Post Test). Pre-Test & Post-Test scores were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Group 1 student’s perception to the simulation based teaching was surveyed by a questionnaire. Cross over was done after completion of the study. Result: The new method of Simulation based teaching of nerve-muscle Physiology of 1st Prof MBBS students was found more effective than the Traditional Lecture- Demonstration method. This new method is particularly helpful for slow learners. Students also found it interesting, student centric and useful. Conclusion: Simulation based teaching of Amphibian Physiology is a better method that needs to be implemented on a wider scale in 1st Prof MBBS Physiology curriculum.