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From didactic teaching to participatory learning. An innovative approach
Nkhensani C Mathabathe1, Michael J Rudolph, Eyitope O Ogunbodede
1Division of Public Oral Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Summary
This study enhanced public oral health education by shifting to student-centered teaching methods. The participatory approach successfully met course objectives, despite student concerns about workload and course timing.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Public Health
Background:
- The Division of Public Oral Health (POH) offers a course to final-year Bachelor of Dental Science students.
- Educational trends advocate for a shift from didactic to participatory, student-centered teaching methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a participatory, student-centered teaching approach for a Public Oral Health course.
- To align dental education with contemporary pedagogical trends.
Main Methods:
- A 20-week Public Oral Health course was delivered to 49 final-year dental students in 1999.
- Staff received training in participatory, student-centered teaching techniques.
- Student and staff evaluations were conducted post-course.
Main Results:
- Students expressed satisfaction with the participatory teaching methods and course organization.
- Students reported dissatisfaction with the reading load and the course's placement in the final year.
- The primary objectives of the Public Oral Health course were achieved.
Conclusions:
- The adoption of a participatory, student-centered approach was effective in achieving the core objectives of the Public Oral Health course.
- While successful, the course timing and reading requirements warrant consideration for future iterations.