MCQ assessment of introductory clinical course for fourth year medical students

A 60-item MCQ as administered to 46 fourth year medical students at the beginning, half-way, and at the end of a five week introductory clinical course. The stated goals were achieved: (1) a baseline measure was provided, indicating abilities brought by newly-arriving students; (2) data gave opportunity for "mid-course" corrections by students in their study and by tutors in their teaching; (3) overall student change was assessed, offering a measure of the educational effectiveness of the course, and (4) tutors were made aware of individual students requiring particular attention. Such assessment techniques provide an effective monitoring and motivating instrument at this level of medical education.