The peculiarities of practical classes structure during the distance learning on morphology orientated departments

Abstract

Background. Nowadays distance learning is a necessary measure under pandemic circumstances, therefore, it is important to find out mechanisms to improve its effectiveness. Objective is to increase the efficiency of practical classes’ results during distance learning. Methods. Sixty third course international EAs (specialty "222 Medicine", second master's level) were divided into two equal groups with two different teaching approaches of practical classes: control with classical one (material discussion followed by the practical skills implementation) and experimental with a changed indicated stages order. The data of 3 controls (pretest, intermediate test and posttest) during practical classes in the course of one semester were analyzed by criteria for non-normal distribution. Results. Pretest and posttest results were not significantly different in both tested and control groups within different performing level EAs (p>0.05). The data of intermediate tests were familiar in groups of EAs who permanently have either average (p>0.05) or insufficient grades (p>0.05), but increased in groups of EAs with constant low (p≤0,05) and high (p<0,05) scores. Conclusion. Our study showed that academic performance did not heavily depend on performed practical classes’ structure. However, the critical discussion of low- and high-performing EAs' mistakes lead to improvement of their understanding of nuances of gross specimen and slide description, in other words, the implementation of a number of special and general competencies enhancement. All in all, data showd that exit control results as well as final grades depended not so much on the educational approach, but on the EAs' self-study.