Student feedback on team-based learning in a preclinical oral surgery course: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Medical Pedagogy
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Team-based learning (TBL) is an active, student-centered pedagogical strategy.
• It shifts traditional lectures to dynamic problem-solving activities.
• TBL aims to enhance student engagement and knowledge acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate student learning experience and satisfaction with TBL.
• To assess TBL's effectiveness in a preclinical oral surgery course.
• To analyze student feedback on knowledge, skills, environment, and relationships.

Main Methods:

• Twelve TBL sessions (3-h and 2-h) were conducted for second-year dental students.
• Sessions included tests and group discussions on preclinical oral surgery topics.
• Post-session questionnaires evaluated four key learning parameters.

Main Results:

• Students reported positive feedback across all four assessed parameters.
• A significant positive correlation (r=0.735, P<0.05) was found between session lengths.
• High average scores indicated student agreement with TBL's benefits.

Conclusions:

• Team-based learning yielded high levels of student satisfaction.
• Effective implementation by instructors and students contributed to positive outcomes.
• TBL is a viable and effective method for preclinical dental education.