Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the BOPPPS model (bridge-in, learning objective, pre-test, participatory learning, post-test, and summary) in otolaryngology education for five-year undergraduate students. METHODS: A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted with 167 five-year undergraduate students from Anhui Medical University, who were allocated to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received instruction using the BOPPPS model, while the control group underwent traditional teaching methods. The evaluation of the teaching effectiveness was performed through an anonymous questionnaire based on the course evaluation questionnaire. Students' perspectives and self-evaluations were quantified using a five-point Likert scale. Furthermore, students' comprehension of the course content was measured through a comprehensive final examination at the end of the semester. RESULTS: Students in the experimental group reported significantly higher scores in various competencies compared to the control group: planning work (4.27 ± 0.676 vs. 4.03 ± 0.581, P < 0.05), problem-solving skills (4.31 ± 0.624 vs. 4.03 ± 0.559, P < 0.01), teamwork abilities (4.19 ± 0.704 vs. 3.87 ± 0.758, P < 0.05), and analytical skills (4.31 ± 0.719 vs. 4.05 ± 0.622, P < 0.05). They also reported higher motivation for learning (4.48 ± 0.618 vs. 4.09 ± 0.582, P < 0.01). Additionally, students in the experimental group felt more confident tackling unfamiliar problems (4.21 ± 0.743 vs. 3.95 ± 0.636, P < 0.05), had a clearer understanding of teachers' expectations (4.31 ± 0.552 vs. 4.08 ± 0.555, P < 0.05), and perceived more effort from teachers to understand their difficulties (4.42 ± 0.577 vs. 4.13 ± 0.59, P < 0.01). They emphasized comprehension over memorization (3.65 ± 1.176 vs. 3.18 ± 1.065, P < 0.05) and received more helpful feedback (4.40 ± 0.574 vs. 4.08 ± 0.585, P < 0.01). Lecturers were rated better at explaining concepts (4.42 ± 0.539 vs. 4.08 ± 0.619, P < 0.01) and making subjects interesting (4.50 ± 0.546 vs. 4.08 ± 0.632, P < 0.01). Overall, the experimental group expressed higher course satisfaction (4.56 ± 0.542 vs. 4.34 ± 0.641, P < 0.05). In terms of examination performance, the experimental group scored higher on the final examination (87.7 ± 6.7 vs. 84.0 ± 7.7, P < 0.01) and in noun-interpretation (27.0 ± 1.6 vs. 26.1 ± 2.4, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The BOPPPS model emerged as an effective and innovative teaching method, particularly in enhancing students' competencies in otolaryngology education. Based on the findings of this study, educators and institutions were encouraged to consider incorporating the BOPPPS model into their curricula to enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of students.