Abstract

EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

*Dr. M. Shanthi, Dr. M. Malathi and Dr. C. Umamaheshwari

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of IA tests conducted for second MBBS students in pharmacology by feedback method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Students are assessed periodically to scrutinise their understanding of the subject and to promote and encourage their professional skill. Periodic Internal assessment during their course is mandatory for the undergraduates perusing MBBS. Internal assessment is done with both written test and viva. Students were exposed to various teaching methods in large group and small group discussion. By the end of two methods of teaching the effectiveness of evaluation internal assessment was done by questionnaire method. They were given ten different questions and asked to fill it up by all students individually without discussion. RESULTS: 93% of students agreed that written theory conducted after each system is useful. 65% of students agreed that tutorials before a written test help to perform well in written test. 72% of students agreed that periodic internal assessment is necessary. 76% of students agreed that correction of theory written test by all staffs in rotation will maintain uniformity in assessment. CONCLUSION: Knowledge is assessed by theory while vivavoce helps to assess attitudes communication alertness, professional competency. Acquisition of knowledge is an important focus of IA. Discussion strengthens students understanding and promotes interest in the subject and future learning is facilitated.

Keywords: Internal assessment, tutorials, small group teaching, formative, summative.