Crossword puzzles: self-learning tool in pharmacology

Abstract

Students of the second professional MBBS course of the Indian medical curriculum (II MBBS) perceive pharmacology as a ‘Volatile Subject’ because they often find it difficult to remember and recall drug names. We evaluated the usefulness of crossword puzzles as a self-learning tool to help pharmacology students to remember drug names. We also measured the students’ satisfaction with this learning method. This was an open-label randomized, two-arm intervention study, conducted with II MBBS students (n = 70), randomly selected and assigned to two groups A (n = 35) and B (n = 35). Two self-learning modules containing crossword puzzles with antihypertensive and antiepileptic drug terms were prepared and pre-validated. Hard copies of both crossword puzzles were administered to Group A (Intervention group) on two different occasions. One hour was allotted to solve a puzzle. Students were allowed to refer to their textbooks. Group B (Control group) underwent the self-learning module without the crossword puzzles. In both groups, pre- and post-test knowledge was assessed. Students’ perceptions of the crossword puzzles were assessed using a pre-validated 10-item questionnaire. Responses to items 1–8 were recorded using a 5-point Likert scale. Responses to item 9 were recorded on a 10-point rating scale while item 10 was an open–ended question. The crossword completion index was 92.86 %. In group A, the average pre-test score was 6.09 whereas the average post-test score was 12.87 (p < 0.05). In group B, average pre- and post-test scores were 6.03 and 9.74, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between the post-test scores of the two groups. The absolute learning gain was 33.9 % in Group A and 18.55 % in Group B. The response rate for the questionnaire was 100 %. Of the students, 71.43 % strongly agreed that crossword puzzles enhanced their knowledge of antihypertensive and antiepileptic drugs and were helpful for remembering and recalling the drug names, 60 % students found it challenging and a good problem solving activity and 85.71 % students opined that it was a good self-learning, recreational activity. The test scores improved when crossword puzzles, designed to improve retention of drug names, were incorporated in the self-study modules of pharmacology training. Students rated the crossword puzzles as a challenging and effective self-learning tool. Students’ acceptability for crossword puzzles further favours their usefulness as a self-learning tool. The crossword puzzle is an effective tool for ‘recreational learning’ and can be used as an active learning strategy to promote self-directed learning.

Usefulness of Crossword Puzzles in Helping First-Year BVSc Students Learn Veterinary Terminology

“…Only one previous study in education of health professionals used a randomized control design and pretest-posttest analysis to determine the effectiveness of crossword puzzles for learning drug names. 18 Our results are similar to the findings of that study: pre-test scores were similar in both intervention and control group, with a subsequent increase in the post-test scores in both groups, although the average score was significantly higher in the intervention group. This supports the view that the use of crossword puzzles during a defined learning period is more effective than just memorization of the terms and their definitions.…”

“…Indeed, previous research has shown that puzzles are effective both as an in-class activity 6-8, 12, 19, 23 and as a self-learning tool. 18 The participants of this study (including those not exposed to the puzzles in the intervention) said that they were likely to use the crossword puzzles if they were just provided as a self-learning tool.…”

Effectiveness of crossword puzzle as an adjunct tool for active learning and critical thinking in Pharmacology

“…Minimum samples of 70 students were targeted based upon earlier study. 12 A total of 78 second year MBBS students participated in this study.…”

“…3,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Studies conducted in limited subjects in medicine have documented promising results and substantiate the usability of this technique as a modern pedagogic tool. 3,12,19,[22][23][24] Pharmacology is an important subject to develop rationale behind therapeutics in disease management. However, it is perceived to be dry and volatile by students due to extensive core content, information overload, difficult to remember drug names and recall the same as well the concepts in the subject.…”

“…However, it is perceived to be dry and volatile by students due to extensive core content, information overload, difficult to remember drug names and recall the same as well the concepts in the subject. 11,12,20 There is inadequate literature on the effectiveness of this educational technique in Pharmacology subject among second year medical students. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim to study the effectiveness of the educational crossword puzzle as an adjunct to the conventional lecture for promoting active learning and critical thinking in Pharmacology.…”