The usefulness of crossword puzzle as a self-learning tool in pharmacology

Introduction: Pharmacology is perceived as a volatile subject asit’s difficult to recall and recite the core of the subject. Enrichingthe learning environment through incorporation of a variety ofteaching and learning strategies and methods yields enhancedlearning. Crossword puzzles provide expansion of vocabulary,stimulate thinking capacity, boost confidence, and fasten up thelearning capacity; hence, the present study was conducted toinvestigate the usefulness of crossword puzzle as an innovativeself-learning tool in pharmacology.Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 5thsemester students of the second professional MBBS course. A totalof 139 students participated in this study and were evaluated withformative examination and feedback questionnaire. Permissionwas taken from Institutional Ethics Committee for the study.A crossword puzzle consisting of 32 questions on endocrinepharmacology was prepared and divided into two sections: theacross section had 17 questions and the down section contained15 questions. The data were analyzed, using Graph Pad Softwareand presented as percentage of the responses.Results: On average, out of 32 questions, one mark each, thestudents scored 52.69% and all students responded correctly onquestions on the topic of hormonal contraceptives. 75.5% of thestudents had an enjoyable experience and the majority of themagreed that it helped them enhance their knowledge of drugs,remember diseases and drug names, and overall learning about thetopic. They were also of the opinion that this should be inculcatedin pharmacology curriculum.Conclusion: Incorporation of crossword puzzles, as an adjuncttool, was useful as majority of the students reported that thisimproved their attitude of learning, thereby improving theirperformance.Keywords: Endocrine system, Pharmacology, Self-learning, Lectures, Feedback