Learning medical microbiology and infectious diseases by means of a board game: Can it work?

Abstract

Innovative teaching and learning is increasingly becoming part of medical education. We report the evaluation of a medical microbiology board game, Med Micro Fun With Facts (MMFWF), based on Trivial Pursuit™ principles. The game was developed to stimulate medical students’ interest in microbiology and expose students to the subject content of an Infections module in an informal, yet healthy competitive way, involving active group dynamics. Members of staff in the medical curriculum participated in direct observation of the play process. The nominal group technique was used to identify their perception of the game as a learning tool. The game itself and the process of student play generated positive feedback from academic members of staff. Measured against the criteria of diffusion of innovation theory, the game fulfils criteria for an innovation to be accepted. Used as supplementary to formal lectures, MMFWF has the potential to enhance students’ learning experiences in medical microbiology.

Keywords:

• innovation
• medical education
• microbiology
• infectious diseases
• play
• board game
• observation
• nominal group technique