Comparison of two teaching aids: “powerpoint and chalkboard” in undergraduate anatomy teaching

Abstract

Objective: Teaching aids like chalkboard and power point (PPT) have commonly been used in anatomy teaching. With an increasing number of medical seats and introduction of competency-based curriculum, PPT is being preferred. The present study aimed at obtaining the views of medical students on these two teaching aids in learning Anatomy. Methods: It was a prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted on medical students of First, second and final professional of a Government Medical College in North India. Students’ perception was assessed on the basis of a questionnaire in Likert scale. Likert scale 4 and 5 were considered favorable responses. McNemar’s test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The questionnaires were distributed to 420 students but 412 students participated in study. There were 164 males and 248 females. Students perceived that PPT offered significantly (p value <0.001) better visibility of lecture content, more clarity of the diagrams, structural relations and demonstration of applied aspects as compared to chalkboard. However, chalkboard was preferred over PPT by a significantly higher number of students (p value <0.001) as it enhances the ability to take notes and copy diagrams, develop better understanding of topic, provides better opportunity for student-teacher interaction, stimulates interest in the subject and enhances overall satisfaction and effectiveness of lecture delivery. Conclusion: The present study, based on students’ responses, highlights the areas of strength of chalkboard and PPT and provides a guide for the teachers for an integrated and appropriate use of both teaching aids for effective lecture delivery.