[Nationwide evaluation of German university teaching methods in neurology]. / Deutschlandweite Evaluation der universitären Lehre im Fach Neurologie.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Germany is confronted with a lack of medical doctors and an increasing need for neurologists in particular. In order to recruit future doctors in neurology it is essential to attract young students when still at university. OBJECTIVES: This article presents the first German national survey of medical students' acceptance of teaching methods in neurology. The participants evaluated teaching methods and examination formats and were asked about their preferences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was based on a questionnaire distributed to 22 German medical schools and 1245 participating students. RESULTS: Interactive teaching methods, especially courses in practical examinations, clinical internships and bedside teaching were highly rated among the students. In contrast, multiple choice tests, as one of the most widespread examination methods, were poorly rated compared to practical and oral examinations. For most of the students it was not decisive, in which semester teaching of neurology took place, while the majority asked for additional and more intensive neurological education. CONCLUSION: The data give an overview of teaching of neurology in Germany and students' assessment of various approaches. The results should be utilized towards reorientation of future curricula that should aim at innovative and even more practically oriented teaching.