The effect of pharmacy students’ attendance on examination performance in two sequential active-learning pharmacotherapy courses

Abstract

Objective. To examine the relationship between class attendance by Doctor of Pharmacy students and their performance on pharmacotherapy examinations within an active-learning classroom model. Methods. Second-year pharmacy students enrolled in a pharmacotherapy course series were included in the study (N5160). Class attendance was taken manually by members of the study team over a oneyear study period (fall 2017 and spring 2018 semesters). Course attendance was not required and had no direct impact on student grades. Scores from the six competency-based examinations and overall course grades for each semester course, respectively, were then linked to class attendance records. Two additional examination attempts (retake and extended learning experience) were administered to students who did not receive a score of at least 80% on the initial exam or retake exam, respectively. Results. Class attendance was documented during 48 class sessions. Of the six examinations given each semester, students required an average of 1 retake of the examination during the fall semester and 1.5 retakes in the spring semester. A significant negative correlation was found in both courses between students missing more classes and receiving a lower final course grade. For each missed class session, there was a reduction in overall course grade of 0.18% and 0.14% in the fall and spring courses, respectively. Conclusion. Regular class attendance by pharmacy students enrolled in an active-learning pharmacotherapy curriculum was associated with higher scores on examinations. The results of this study illustrate the importance of attending active-learning sessions to attain higher examination scores. Further research is needed to determine whether class attendance is associated with students’ improved ability to apply pharmacotherapy concepts.