Abstract :
Background: Most of the medical institutions in India follow the conventional
method of teaching where knowledge gained by the students is in a
fragmented and disjointed manner while integrated method of teaching is
more holistic and systematic.
Objectives: Since our institution is now keen on adopting integrated teaching,
this study has been undertaken as a pilot project and conducted with a view to
study the impact of integrated teaching in improving knowledge, attitude and
skills of MBBS students, as compared to conventional methods of teaching. It
also aims at sensitizing and motivating the staff members to implement new
teaching- learning methodology.
Methods: The present study is a completely randomized design (Two- group
simple randomized design) done at M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital,
Navi- Mumbai. A pre- tested questionnaire was given to all 100 IInd MBBS
students to study their existing level of knowledge and attitude regarding
‘Breast- feeding and Complementary feeding practices’. They were then
randomly divided into two groups- a study group of 50 students who received
integrated teaching by didactic lectures, case- studies and live demonstrations
by Departments of Community Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and
Pediatrics, while a control group of 50 students who received conventional
teaching through didactic lectures. Post test was conducted after 3 months of
intervention. The mean knowledge and attitude scores of pretest and post test
of conventional & integrated groups were compared. The students’ skills were
tested by personal observations by the project faculty. Feedback was taken
through informal discussions from participating staff members regarding
their experience.
Keyword :
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