Method, types and frequency of formative assessment in competency learning: Student view

Abstract

Background: Formative evaluation is a range of formal assessment employed by professors during the teaching process in order to modify curriculum activities, to improve student attainment. Since the implementation of Competency Based Medical Education students need to adopt a deep learning approach contrary to traditional learning. We were interested to get their views about formative assessment. Objective: To explore perception of number and types of formative assessment by phase 1 students. Methods: To collect data from a pre validated questionnaire from Phase 1 MBBS students of 3 medical colleges and analyze it, regarding the formative evaluation.  Results: 43 to 71 percent felt that frequency of formative assessment was optimal.   61 to 67 percent felt that quantity of portions for the formative assessment tests was optimal. 57 to 72 percent felt that formative assessment motivated them to study regularly.58 to 67 percent of students feel that the level of difficulty of the questions was optimal.59 to 66 percent of students feel that periodic formative assessment tests improved their learning of the pre-clinical subjects. Conclusions: Formative assessment helps them in learning as well as preparing for summative assessment. Formative assessment helps in keeping them motivated to study regularly.