Clickers in teaching pharmacology concepts: Student reflections on active learning and formative assessment

Maria Minerva Calimag

University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

 

Abstract:

Clickers, or student response systems, are a technology used to promote active learning. Smatphones as clickers were used in conjunction with an online student response software as part of a plenary lecture-discussion session on corticosteroid structure-activity relationships in three Medical Pharmacology classes of 110-123 students per class. A feedback in Excel format regarding student engagement (37% were able to login using their smartphones) and actual improvement on scores can be assessed immediately after the session (by-person analysis showed 33-89% correct answers; by-question analysis showed 83-100% correct answers). Reinforcements can thus be instituted immediately in areas that need improvement. Student reflections were gathered as part of the constructivist genre teaching style enabled through a Learning Management System. Students’ agrregately reflected thus: “The best part for me was the question and answer portion. Nothing beats little tests right after the concept was explained…it helped me a lot in understanding the structure concept.” “I think that is one of the effective ways of keeping the students awake and interested.” “I appreciate the call for student participation in that manner instead of the forced recitation…it was fun because it was something new and experimental without the added embarrassment if ever the answer is wrong.” “The students were noisy at that time but it was because they were discussing what the answer was.” “We had one of the most engaging (if not the most) lecture-discussion in pharmacology.” “I commend the lecturer for this big step… it helped us to become active and interactive…better learning with problem-solving.” “Her (the lecturer’s) effort in trying to engage the students was really evident and I do appreciate it…thank you so much for the concern you have given to your students…your genuineness is very much appreciated…not all professors will give as much concern for their students.” Smartphones as clickers can be used effectively as a formative classroom assessment tool that fosters peer mentoring thus giving students a sense of learning community even in large classes.