Lau KY, Ang JYH, Rajalingam P. Very Short Answer Questions in Team-Based Learning: Limited Effect on Peer Elaboration and Memory.
MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2023;
33:139-145. [PMID:
36569367 PMCID:
PMC9765373 DOI:
10.1007/s40670-022-01716-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
In team-based learning (TBL), single best answer questions (SBAQs) are traditionally used because immediate computer-assisted feedback facilitates team discussions. Recent improvements in digital marking systems and criticisms of non-analytical strategies in SBAQs have prompted the consideration of very short answer questions (VSAQs) as an alternative to SBAQs. We aim to compare the effect of VSAQs and SBAQs on peer elaboration and knowledge retention in TBL.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-four second-year students from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine participated in a mixed-methods study that included a randomised controlled crossover trial with two intervention arms (TBL-VSAQs and TBL-SBAQs). Two TBL sessions were conducted, with one topic covered each. Students were randomly allocated into six teams of four members. Individual and team scores and completion times were measured, and students were surveyed on their TBL experience. A follow-up quiz on the same topics was administered two weeks later to assess knowledge retention.
RESULTS
Individuals scored lower for VSAQs than SBAQs in the second TBL topic (7.17 ± 1.52 versus 8.25 ± 1.48; p = 0.046), while findings in other metrics were non-significant. Follow-up quiz scores showed no significant difference in knowledge retention, although effect size and power were low. Students perceived VSAQs as more authentic and challenging, though most preferred the continued use of SBAQs for TBL.
DISCUSSION
VSAQs have a limited impact on peer elaboration and knowledge retention versus SBAQs in TBL.
CONCLUSIONS
We should be circumspect about implementing VSAQs in TBL especially for medical students at the pre-clinical level.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-022-01716-5.
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