From Passive Reception to Active Engagement: Transforming learning for first-year medical students under the Competency based medical curriculum

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a core topic in Physiology taught at the beginning of the MBBS course. This complex topic requires conceptualization as it is applicable to the regulation of body systems and later in Pharmacology and Medicine. With technology creating interactivity, educators need to improve their teaching-learning activities to ensure effective learning of ANS through student-centric strategies. The objective was to explore the effectiveness of an interactive "lecture-tutorial-classroom assessment-feedback" method to enhance the teaching of ANS and foster improved understanding to be able to apply concepts in real-world applications. First-year medical students under CBME were given an interactive lecture on ANS. One week later, this was followed by an interactive tutorial using cases and scenarios through multimedia, images, and critical thinking questions (CTQs). A test using CTQs, based on the presented visuals, was used. Performance scores with real-time feedback were provided. Finally, students were allowed to give feedback on a Google form. The entire process was evaluated regarding Kirkpatrick Level 1 (reaction) and Level 2 (learning). Students were very satisfied with the method but had concerns about the time available for the task and also the surprise tests. Formative assessment scores showed significant improvement, in testifying learning. Students demonstrated a more practical and relatable understanding of ANS, with improved comprehension and real-world application. The method ensured the identification of conceptual gaps, corrected through feedback. Interactive lectures are still recommended for uniform knowledge dissemination and assimilation among students.