A Study On Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding 'Microteaching' Among the Final Year Postgraduate Students in a Medical College, Tamil Nadu, India

A cross sectional study was done to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding microteaching among the final year postgraduate students of a medical college in Tamil Nadu. Allen and Eve defined microteaching as " A system of controlled practice that makes it possible to concentrate on specific teaching behavior and to practice teaching under controlled conditions". Medical teachers most often do not receive a special training in pedagogic techniques, as it is usually not considered necessary for their recruitment or for an efficient continued performance. With the recent and emerging changes in medical curriculum by the Medical Council of India it is impertinent that there is need of this special training of teachers. It is widely accepted that the quality and competency of medical teachers can be improved by effective microteaching sessions and medical education training programs. This cross-sectional study was carried among the final year postgraduate students in a medical college. Sample size: All final year postgraduate students. Data collection tools: A structured self administered questionnaire was used for collecting information regarding knowledge, attitude and practices regarding ` microteaching'. Data collection duration: 1 month. Data analysis: Analysis carried out using SPSS version 17.0 statistical software. Out of the 53 respondents in this study, 29 were females and 24 were males and it was found that a large majority (85%) of the postgraduate medical students were aware of the uses and benefits of microteaching. It was found in the study that the non-clinical final year post graduate students had a better perception and practiced frequent microteaching sessions than their clinical counterparts. The findings of the research showed that the students perceived microteaching as important. The study also shows the attitude of final year postgraduate students towards microteaching. 40 (75.47%) students of agreed and strongly agreed that they see the importance of attending microteaching class while 38 (71.69%) agreed and strongly agreed that microteaching class was an interesting experience for them. 37(69.81%) students agreed and strongly agreed that they are able to make their microteaching class interesting. By going through a certain period of microteaching session, students will be able to learn how to plan a lesson properly, deliver their lesson more effectively and able to attract the students' attention in class.