Teaching through assessment and feedback in biochemistry education

Abstract

Biochemistry is a complex subject which many students find difficult and was considered the hardest subject. Assessment plays a critical role in learning and teaching biochemistry and its power to enhance engagement and student outcomes is still underestimated in college education. The current work considers the impact of an integrated teaching model of an assessment strategy that emphasized relevance of learning, formative assessment, student engagement, and feedback on student performance, failure rates and overall engagement in the course. This approach increased the motivation of the students to learn biochemistry by helping them to see the relevance of biochemistry to the practice of pharmacy. Assessment and feedback, particularly during the course of learning, are the most effective ways for students to learn accountability in their work and in their personal lives.