Promoting learning outcomes in paediatrics through formative assessment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop appropriate formative assessment strategies as a means of promoting relevant learning outcomes in paediatrics. Fifty fifth-year medical students were exposed to two formative assessment strategies, 'self-assessment exercises' and 'the Objective Structured Clinical Examination'. At the end of exposure, students' perceptions of the formative assessment were sought using a Likert-type five-point scale. From the results of the study conclusions were drawn that strong formative assessment strategies can be implemented by introducing OSCE and self-assessment exercises, which can promote relevant learning outcomes in paediatrics and thereby prepare medical students to become competent in managing paediatric patients, even in the absence of effective summative assessment.