“Classes beyond the walls" – A reexploring method of teaching in ayurveda education over conventional approach

BACKGROUND: Gurukula system of Ayurveda education is a complete comprehensive approach. Institutionalization of this traditional system of education has its own limitations. Though the Ayurveda education is been institutionalized, some part of it deliberately needs to be learnt in real platform, in an integrated way to make learning process more engaging and relevant. Conventional method of teaching (CMT) has its own limitations and adoption of innovative methods is need of the hour. METHODS: Study was conducted on II Professional BAMS students in two groups: classes beyond the walls (CBW) group and CMT group. Integrated collaborative CBW teaching in medicinal plant garden and CMT in regular classrooms of institutional set up were conducted. Comparative learning experience was assessed based on open ended questionnaire. The effectiveness of CBW teaching was evaluated using five-point likert scale. Pre and Post tests were conducted using a google forms comprising of ten subject related questions to compare learning outcomes. Analysis of statistical parameters were done using SPSS software (Between the groups Mann - Whitney U test and within the groups Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test). RESULTS: The learning significance within the both groups are demonstrated by the statistical findings based on the pre and posttest scores. Pretest scores between the groups are not significant with a P value 0.76, however the posttest results between the groups demonstrate a substantial learning improvement with a P value of < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: This demonstrates learning beyond the class is an important supportive component along with conventional method.