Acceptability of the use of crossword puzzles as an assessment method in Pharmacology

Didactic lectures lead to lack of attention and limited independent thinking with limited self-assessment, crossword puzzles having shown promising results and substantial usability. A thorough literature search showed that most of the studies done were on the introduction of crosswords as a tool of assessment in either medical or allied health sciences; hence, we planned this study to know the acceptability of crossword puzzles as a method of assessment.

The subjects of this cross-sectional study to assess the acceptability of crossword puzzles were 5th semester students of the second professional MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). The study was conducted for three consecutive batches over a period of three months at the same time of the year from 2018 to 2020. The students had appeared for formative assessment and gave written informed consent. The crossword puzzles were given to the students, being followed by an anonymous feedback questionnaire and formative examination one week later. The feedback questionnaire was analyzed for coefficient of reliability by Cronbach's Alpha, giving an internal consistency of 0.841.

A total of 425 students participated in the study. The crossword puzzles had an average percentage score of 62.7% across all the three years, which was significantly higher (p<0.05), as compared to the formative examination score of 45.2%. The same set of students appeared for both types of evaluation and the results were compared. The feedback given was that majority of the students agreed that crosswords enhanced their knowledge of drugs, promoted active learning, and helped in remembering the topic.

Crossword puzzles were an acceptable and effective tool for assessment as they gave better results and provided better understanding in comparison to the conventional formative assessment as the feedback questionnaire showed. Most students agreed that the crosswords enhanced their knowledge of drugs, promoted active learning and helped in remembering the topic.