TO BE OR NOT TO BE: THE MODULE SYSTEM

The day I set foot in the university I had no idea the conventional was about to change. When I was told we were the 'lucky batch' because we were going to experience the modern module system my happiness was beyond bounds. I told everyone about how the university was finally taking an initiative to improve the orthodox educational system. Finally, there was hope that we will be studying on the same lines that the rest of the world is studying. All in all there was much anticipation.

#whenweweretoldaboutthemodulesystem

#aweeklater

As soon as the orientation was over, the cell module commenced. I must confess I bought all the unnecessary books. I almost bought Robins Pathology as well. (yes! I am a first year student. Do not be doubtful). Molecular biology was the leading subject during the whole module. But soon enough I left all the books just like my class fellows and settled on reading the slides since the content in the books not only seemed unnecessary but unmanageable. Miraculously, most of us passed the Cell Module Assessment which comprised of MCQs only.

Following the  intermodullary period, there was another module sharpening its claws, The Respiratory Module. This time we thought we knew what to expect. The same old routine was followed. Classes were held in the Old Auditorium. There was an amalgamation of not only  Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry but also Pharmacology, Internal medicine, Pathology and Surgery. In the beginning there was happiness all around since it was announced that no tests would be held during the module but as it progressed, all spirits were dulled. Some people were listening attentively, some were zealously participating in group discussions as well while others were sleeping in back rows just to be marked present. As is customary in everything, some lectures were of very high quality, some lacked content while some lacked delivery. Yet I would not say it was a bad experience.

As soon as the Module Test was announced we no longer knew what to study and what not to study as it comprised of both MCQSs and SEQs. Yes! The first three subjects are manageable but what exactly should be prepared from the last four was far from obvious. The time that we spent in the old auditorium was good, the things we learnt were interesting but do we need to know all this extra stuff at this stage is a question mark which stays in the minds of all the students. There is great variation among the students on the question regarding continuing the module. The most fundamental question is that is this really what a module system is? Are we going to give all the Module Tests and then again appear in all the subjects in Prof? What exactly is the weight age of these tests? Are the other subjects like internal medicine going to be included in Prof just like they were included in the Module Assessment?

I believe the students cannot come to any conclusion regarding the continuance of module system until all these questions and many more which are lurking in the minds of many other people are answered. The module System is indeed a good effort to modernise the existing education system but are we ready to implement it in essence? How much is it really going to help produce better doctors than the preceding years?  Are the first years going to be over burdened? (since the time span remains the same but the amount of course to be covered is increased ). These are some daunting questions which  are required to be answered and to be thought about very carefully by the authorities before they decide to formally seal our fate for the next four years to come.