Evaluation of objective structured practical examination and traditional practical examination

To evaluate the competency of Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) as an assessment technique compared to Traditional Practical Examination (TDPE) in assessment of laboratory component of physiology, the results of Physiology practical examination of 400 students from 4 Medical Colleges, two Government and two non Government (Dhaka Medical College, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh Medical College, Uttara Women's Medical College) under Dhaka University were studied. Students' performance in OSPE and TDPE was compared. Mean score obtained in OSPE was 77.72+/-0.66 and found significantly higher than that for TDPE (64.44+/-0.61). Again mean scores achieved in OSPE were compared among different Medical Colleges and significant difference was noted. In OSPE, male students achieved significantly higher score than that of female students, especially in responding question station. The outcome of the present study thus indicates that OSPE is a better choice as an assessment technique over the Traditional method measuring wide range of practical skill. It may be concluded that it is important for competency based performance discrimination and it also helps improving students performance quality in laboratory exercise.