Effectiveness of a Systematic Tutorial Activity on Learners’ Achievement in Basic Pharmacology Course

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of systematic tutorial activities on learners' achievement in basic pharmacology courses. Method: The study compared the effectiveness of systematic tutorial activities with the previous activities. Systematic tutorials in academic year 2017 included two activities i.e., the first one in the form of summary of contents in infographic before the first examination and the second one before the second test in the form of game on answering the questions. The previous tutorial activities in the academic year 2016 were conducted before the third examination. The study measured the effectiveness of the activities from the number of failed students (grades F) and accumulated scores in the course throughout the semester. Results: Percentage of students in systematic tutorial activities who did not pass the examination was statistically significant lower than that in those with previous activities (1.16% and 10.29%, respectively, P <0.05). Students participated in systematic tutorial activities had a statistically significant higher average of accumulated score than those in previous activities (66.1±10.54 and 58.0±10.84 from the full score of 100, respectively, P <0.05). Multivariate logistic regression controlling for the influence of confounding factors including faculty affiliation, and cumulative GPA of students before enrollment in the course revealed the odds of failure in the course among students participating in the systematic tutorial activities was 0.09 times of those in comparison group (95% CI 0.01 - 0.58). Their mean accumulated score was 5.0 point greater than that in the comparison group (95% CI 3.64-6.42). Conclusion: Systematic tutorial activities resulted in better student achievement with the lower percentage of failed students and higher accumulated score in the course. Therefore, the management of courses that are similar to the basic pharmacology course should consider systematic tutorial activities to promote students to achieve better learning outcomes