The Effectiveness of Interactive Training and Microlearning Approaches on Motivation and Independent Learning of Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the COVID-19 pandemic period, most students felt lonely, accordingly their motivation for self-learning was low. The study aimed to increase their enthusiasm for work, and to improve their learning of biochemical subjects in the medical education programme during the pandemic period. Small parts of educational materials (microlearning) were presented in different formats such as videos, interactive education exercises, game-based quizzes and final exam was taken. The achievement of learning objectives of the course was evaluated by a survey. Students participating in daily activities gained higher self-confidence in learning and their final exam grade was higher compared to non-participating students (7.35 ± 1.37 vs 7.06 ± 1.88, p = 0.038). Most of the students agreed that daily activities (52%) increased their motivation to work. This approach might be proposed as a practice that supports distance learning, or even traditional education, especially in medical education that includes complex issues.