On-line academic tutoring implementation in a basic subject of veterinary degree

Abstract

Tutoring is a useful tool in the university teaching-learning process, although its development is impaired in overcrowded classrooms. In this study, we have tried to strengthen the tutoring function, which is complex in subjects with high number of students, in order to improve academic efficiency. For this purpose, on-line tutoring have been implemented in the subject “Microbiology and Immunology”, belonging to Veterinary Degree at the University of León, by means of Moodle. Forty students who registered voluntarily were accepted (25% of the students enrolled). They filled these places in less than one day. Three on-line questionnaires with fifteen questions each about the subject taught were carried out, in order to promote the student work. Once the time given for their reply had finished, students automatically got the answers and their marks. Then, they had three days to clarify any doubts by e-mail. In addition, satisfaction surveys were made among students. The rate of students present in final examinations was significantly higher among the tutoring ones (92.5%) than among those not tutored (74.8%). This same tendency was observed in the pass rate of students (60.0% vs. 43.1%). The numerical marks were higher among the tutored students, and especially those getting the highest mark, whose percentage was twice higher than that in the tutorless group (2.7% vs. 1.1%). In addition, 87.5% of tutored students became satisfied with this teaching methodology. From these results, on-line tutoring becomes a useful tool that facilitates student follow-up, improves their academic outcome and increases their motivation. Thus, their use in subjects with high numbers of students is recommended.

Keywords

• tutoría no presencial
• microbiología e inmunología
• moodel
• grado en veterinaria
• rendimiento académico