A simple flip of an obstetrics clerkship lecture focusing on interactive learning

Abstract Objective: To determine the value of interactive learning after a low-tech flip of a traditional lecture during an obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. Design: All third-year medical students completed a flipped learning experience between May 2014 and April 2016. Central to the change was replacement of a mid-clerkship lecture ("late term and prolonged gestation") with interactive learning at seven stations by student pairs (one each on separate obstetrics and gynecology services). Before class, students electronically received a handout that described learning objectives, subject background, and interactive stations. The stations featured manipulative models, instruments, data, and images involving prenatal care, fetal growth and testing, and labor and delivery decision-making. Results: The flipped model was easily executed with proper preparation. The 178 consecutive students completed the two mandated surveys. The median score given by students about the same instructor's effectiveness increased from 4.0 (previous two years) to 4.4 (on a 5-point scale). Compared with traditional lectures by other clerkship faculty, the flipped classroom was judged by students to be easier for understanding and more interactive. Students perceived being more responsible for learning with better recall and application to practice. Conclusions: A low-tech approach to the flipped classroom was easily executed with favorable responses from students about interactive learning