Utilizing research findings in medical education: The testing effect within a flipped/inverted biochemistry classroom

Med Teach. 2019 Nov;41(11):1245-1251. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2019.1628195. Epub 2019 Jul 7.

Abstract

Purpose: Basic research about test-enhanced learning points towards its effectiveness to improve students' learning and is still underutilized in educational practice. Therefore, we developed an evidence-based instructional design to investigate the usefulness of test-enhanced learning within a flipped/inverted classroom approach. Materials and Methods: We developed two modes of learning material for the self-study phase of a flipped classroom for 139 students: in addition to educational films, one group of students received a reader and another group received multiple-choice questions that corresponded to the reader in content and length. An assessment of the content of the learning material was conducted at the subsequent on-site phase. Also, ratings about students' perceptions of the additional learning material were gathered. Results: At the assessment, students that prepared with films and multiple-choice questions outperformed students that prepared with films and the reader. Furthermore, students perceived the multiple-choice questions as more helpful, more motivating and felt better prepared for the assessment than students that used the reader. Conclusions: This study shows that test-enhanced learning can be utilized to promote students' learning within the self-study phase of a flipped classroom. Not only assessment scores are positively affected but also the motivation to learn and preparedness towards an assessment.

MeSH terms

  • Biochemistry / education*
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical / methods*
  • Educational Measurement / methods*
  • Educational Measurement / standards
  • Humans
  • Models, Educational*
  • Problem-Based Learning / methods*
  • Students, Medical
  • Young Adult