Interactive Learning: Online Audience Response System and Multiple Choice Questions Improve Student Participation in Lectures

Background and Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are commonly used in medical education for formative and summative assessment. However, the use of MCQs as a pedagogical tool in lectures is an area that is yet to be fully explored. This study aimed to gather feedback on including MCQs in lectures using an Online Audience Response System (OARS). Methods This quasi-experimental study involved 114 first professional MBBS students. A lecture with strategically integrated MCQs was delivered in a traditional classroom setting. Students answered the ten MCQs and provided feedback via OARS using their mobile phones. The feedback included eleven questions about student engagement, attentiveness, and critical thinking skills. Students' perception of the advantages and limitations of OARS in lectures was also collected. Data are presented as percentages and median with an interquartile range. Results Higher levels of engagement were reported by 80% of students; 81% felt improvement in understanding of the learning objectives and lecture content; 5% felt that mobile phone usage caused distractions; 79% reported increased focus and concentration; 84% reported that MCQs promoted their critical thinking skills; 75% reported enhanced overall learning experience without causing any discomfort; 69% believed that asking questions individually by the instructor is less effective than MCQs with OARS; 83% felt motivated to come prepared with study material when MCQs were included in the lecture; 67% preferred an even distribution of MCQs throughout the lecture; 53% preferred six to ten MCQs per lecture. Conclusion This study suggests that integrating MCQs in lectures using OARS can be a valuable pedagogical strategy in medical education and can potentially improve the learning experience by enhancing student engagement, attentiveness, and critical thinking skills. However, educators should also be aware of the potential limitations and take steps to mitigate them.