Effectiveness of Structured Role-Play as a Pedagogical Intervention to Enhance MBBS Students’ Performance in Paediatric Viva-Voce Examinations: A Pre-Post Experimental Study

Authors

  • Sandhya Khadse Department of Paediatrics, Dean, MGM Medical College & Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India
  • Tripti Waghmare Director IQAC, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha (MS), India
  • Manju Bashini Sundru Professor and Head, Community Medicine, MGM Medical College & Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India

Keywords:

Role-play, Viva-voce, Cognitive & Behavioural attributes, Communication skills Paediatrics

Abstract

Background: Viva-voce examinations are integral part of medical education but during viva-voce students have anxiety, stress, and communication barriers. Structured Role-play offers an experiential learning approach that strengthens student’s preparedness and performance. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of structured role-play in improving cognitive performance, positive behavioural attributes, and long-term retention among MBBS students during Paediatric viva voce examinations. Methods: A Pre–Post interventional study was conducted among 45 MBBS second-year students. A validated structured question bank and behavioural checklist were used for assessment. Students were initially assessed by a pre-test viva-voce, followed by structured feedback. Then they participated in a standardized role-play session conducted which simulated viva-voce scenarios. A two months cool-off period was given to minimize recall bias. Pre-test and post-test viva-voce scores were compared using paired t-tests. Results: The mean score of post-test significantly improved than pre-test from 52.9 to 71.5 after the role-play intervention (p < 0.001). Positive behavioural attribute scores increased from 8 to 15, indicating that the confidence, communication, and professionalism were improved and Negative behavioural deductions decreased from 3.4 to 2.3. Conclusion: Structured role-play when combined with immediate feedback and a cool-off period, it effectively enhanced cognitive performance, communication skills, and professional behaviour in viva-voce examinations. Incorporating role-play into medical curriculum will significantly improve student preparedness and long-term skill retention.

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Published

2026-08-31

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 2, May-August 2026

Section

Original Article

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