Effect of shift to virtual teaching on active learning: A snapshot.

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Medical Education
• Active Learning Strategies

Background:

• Active learning enhances student engagement, understanding, and retention.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift from in-person to virtual learning environments.
• Understanding the impact of this transition on active learning is crucial for future educational strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how the frequency of active learning elements changed for dental students after transitioning to virtual learning.
• To assess student preferences for in-person versus virtual learning environments post-transition.
• To explore the relationship between course structure and student experiences with active learning.

Main Methods:

• First-year dental (DDS) candidates completed anonymous surveys on active learning frequency before and after the Spring 2020 transition to online learning.
• Surveys covered three course types: lecture-style, small-group case-based, and pre-clinical.
• Data included demographics, reported frequency of active learning activities, and learning environment preferences.

Main Results:

• The traditional lecture course saw a significant increase in one active learning activity (question and answer) frequency (p < 0.0001).
• The small-group course showed minor significant frequency differences for some activities, but their practical impact was questionable.
• The pre-clinical course had no significant changes in active learning frequency.
• Students slightly preferred in-person for small-group and pre-clinical courses, with no preference for lecture courses.

Conclusions:

• Course structure, rather than the learning environment (in-person vs. virtual), appears to be a stronger determinant of active learning frequency.
• Student preferences for learning environments may be influenced by course design and delivery methods.
• These findings suggest that adapting course structure is vital for maintaining active learning effectiveness in any setting.