The effectiveness of interactive training and microlearning approaches on motivation and independent learning of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

In the COVID-19 pandemic period, most students felt lonely, accordingly their motivation for self-learning was low. The study aimed to increase their enthusiasm for work, and to improve their learning of biochemical subjects in the medical education programme during the pandemic period. Small parts of educational materials (microlearning) were presented in different formats such as videos, interactive education exercises, game-based quizzes and final exam was taken. The achievement of learning objectives of the course was evaluated by a survey. Students participating in daily activities gained higher self-confidence in learning and their final exam grade was higher compared to non-participating students (7.35 ± 1.37 vs 7.06 ± 1.88, p = 0.038). Most of the students agreed that daily activities (52%) increased their motivation to work. This approach might be proposed as a practice that supports distance learning, or even traditional education, especially in medical education that includes complex issues.

KEYWORDS:

• Microlearning
• distance learning
• self-learning
• COVID-19

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eser Yıldırım Sözmen

Eser Yıldırım Sözmen (MD, PhD) graduated from Ege University, Medical Faculty, and completed her PhD from Department of Medical Biochemistry in which she works as a professor now. She worked as a Director in Center of Lifelong Learning in Ege University for 10 years and she also works as chair of WG-Postgraduate Courses & Congresses in EFLM.

Ozan Karaca

Ozan Karaca, (PhD, MSc) earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Computer Education and Instructional Technology, a doctoral degree in medical education. He is working in the Institution of Health Science and Faculty of Medicine at Ege University as a senior instructional technologist for all medical education degrees.

A. Hilal Batı

A. Hilal Batı (MD,PhD, MsC) graduated from Ege University Medical Faculty. She achieved PhD degree in public health and earned MSc degree in Educational Programs and Teaching in Institute of Social Sciences. She has been working in National Medical Education Accreditation Board and Accreditation Standards and Development Commission since 2008.