Students’ and teachers’ perception of Structured Oral Examination

SOE: Students’ and teachers’ perceptions

Abstract

Background: Conventional Oral Examination entails variability in terms of sampling and scoring. Non uniform time allocation, environment and attitudes of both the examiner and the examinee are the other challenges. Hence, a study was undertaken to introduce Structured Oral Examination (SOE) in the subject of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry as formative assessment; and obtaining the teachers’ and students’ perception and acceptance of the same. Material & Methods: Following sensitization of teachers to this method, a protocol for conducting SOE was developed. A pre validated set of questions with scoring criteria was given to examiners, and they were randomly allocated 2/3 students by ‘chit method’. Identical questions were posed in a fixed time frame to 27 student participants from III BDS posted in the department. Feedback was obtained from students and teachers, in the form of a questionnaire. Results:  Overall, there was 100% satisfaction on part of students and teachers, with 100% agreement on elimination of bias with SOE. Conclusion: SOE was well accepted by students and teachers. Though this method requires elaborate planning and resources. SOE could be implemented and tested on a larger student/teacher population. [Lele G Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 11(6):17-21]