Developing Competencies of Medical Students Using Group Discussion as TL Method

In the classroom environment discussion is one of the best ways of promoting conductive learning and convenient teaching situations. It refers to the method of instructions which gives pupils an opportunity to express their views or opinions orally on certain issues. It also involves sharing of ideas and experiences, solving problems and promoting tolerance with understanding. This study is undertaken as a pilot project to introduce group discussion as an innovative T-L method in curriculum of Microbiology at Government Medical College, Nanded. In this study, sessions of group discussions were planned for II nd MBBS students. Pretest and post -test were conducted before and after the session. Feedback was taken from the students. Result:There was significant increase in scores of students before and after Group Discussion session. Most of the students opined that groups work better as a teaching learning method, also there was no confusion during group discussion regarding the topic. There was huge agreement on the opinion that group discussion helped students to remember the topic and to improve their communication skills. They reported that group discussion is student friendly method of teaching-learning process. Conclusion:Group discussion not only helps to understand and remember the subject better but also develops essential qualities of a successful medical professional.