Assessing the impact of jigsaw technique for cooperative learning in undergraduate medical education: merits, challenges, and forward prospects.

BACKGROUND: Jigsaw method is a structured cooperative-learning technique that lays the groundwork towards achieving collective competence, which forms the core of effective clinical practice. It promotes deep learning and effectively enhances team-work among students, hence creating a more inclusive environment. OBJECTIVE: Present study was designed to introduce jigsaw model of cooperative learning to early-year undergraduate medical students, measure its effectiveness on their academic performance, and evaluate the perspectives of both students and faculty members regarding the same. METHODS: It was a mixed method research, involving eighty second-year undergraduate medical students. The jigsaw cooperative learning approach was introduced in two themes within neurosciences module. Students were divided into two equal groups, with one group experiencing typical small-group discussions (SGDs) in first theme and other group exposed to jigsaw approach. The groups were then reversed for second theme. Following the activity, an assessment comprising multiple-choice-questions was conducted to evaluate the impact of jigsaw technique on students' academic performance, with scores from both groups compared. Student perspectives were gathered through self-designed and validated questionnaire, while faculty perceptions were obtained through focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v22, while thematic analysis was performed for qualitative data. RESULTS: The students of jigsaw group displayed significantly higher median assessment score percentage compared to control group (p = 0.003). Moreover, a significantly greater number of students achieved scores ≥ 60% in jigsaw group compared to control group (p = 0.006). The questionnaire responses indicated a favorable perception of this technique among students, in terms of acceptance, positive interdependence, improvement of interpersonal skills, and comparison with typical SGDs. This technique was also well-perceived within the educational context by faculty members. CONCLUSION: The jigsaw method is associated with higher levels of academic performance among students when compared to typical small-group discussion. The students and faculty perceived this technique to be an effective cooperative learning strategy in terms of enhanced student engagement, active participation, and a sense of inclusivity.

Effectiveness of preoperative stretchings on postoperative shoulder function in patients undergoing mastectomy.

Objective: To analyse the effects of pre-operative stretchings of shoulder muscles on post-operative shoulder function in patients undergoing mastectomy. METHODS: The comparative study was conducted from January to May 2019 at Allied Hospital, Madinah Teaching Hospital and the District Headquarter Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and comprised mastectomy patients. The subjects were randomised to treatment and control groups. The treatment group received static stretching with range of motion, while the control group received routine post-operative care. Data was collected using Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Universal goniometer and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale at post-op day 1 and day 3. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 30- patients, there were 15(50%) in each of the two groups. The overall mean age was 46±10.75 years. The treatment group showed significant difference (p<0.05) in pain, range of motion and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale scores for activities of daily living compared to the control group. The treatment group also showed better results in terms of shoulder flexion and abduction range of motion (p<0.05), but showed non-significant difference (p>0.05) in external rotation and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale scores. Conclusion: Pre-operative stretching of shoulder muscles proved to be safe and effective in reducing post-operative pain and functional restriction in patients undergoing mastectomy.