Skinner’s Programmed Learning Versus Conventional Teaching Method in Medical Education: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: B.F. Skinner (1958) popularized the Skinner's approach of linear programmed learning to improve teaching methods.The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of skinner’s programmed learning method over conventional routing teaching method among third MBBS students of AMC MET Medical College, Ahmedabad. Methods: Third M.B.B.S students of AMC MET Medical College, Ahmedabad were divided into group A(roll no.1-49) & group B (roll no.50-98). Group A was taught topics of breast &esophagus by skinner’s method while group B was taught same topics by routine teaching method by same professor of surgery department. Both the groups were assessed by asking questions of six marks of each during 8th& 9th semester examination. Data was complied into excel sheet and analyzed with appropriate statistical test at significance of 0.05. Result: Out of 98 students, 50 were male & 48 were females. Equal numbers of students were present in both groups during the scheduled lectures. Difference of sex distribution, attending lecturers & scoring in examination among both the groups was statistically not significant (P>0.05). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between attending topics taught by skinner’s method with the result obtained in examinations (P=0.000). Conclusion: Skinner’s programmed learning method was positively correlated with the scoring of the students. This method develops creativity, interest among students and this in turn will be helpful in the students learning and overall improvement of students and institute.

Keywords

• Skinner’s Approach
• Programmed Learning
• Medical Education
• Comparative Study