Transforming public health education: Exploring the implementation and impact of innovative teaching methods

Innovative teaching methods are widely used as they provide valuable experiences for students in real-life situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Within the scope of public health, these methods appear feasible as a learning approach. This study aimed to determine the implementation of innovative teaching methods for the Faculty of Public Health.

This study employed a qualitative exploratory approach and utilized in-depth interviews with six lecturers and focus group discussions (FGDs) with six students from the Faculty of Public Health, University of Muhammadiyah Aceh, conducted between April 10 and May 26, 2023. Data analysis involved interpretive and reflective reading, along with inductive processing.

Overall, lecturers had never been exposed specifically to pedagogical science, although they have attempted to apply and combine various learning methods to introduce content learning experiences for students. Lecturers found that the application of innovative teaching methods was effective and practical in facilitating a deeper understanding of theory, putting theory into practice, and enhancing students' skills related to subject courses. Students benefited from this approach and enjoyed attending lectures and activities, which also positively impacted lecturer satisfaction with their achievements in the teaching process.

Through innovative teaching methods, students could grasp theory and improve their skills related to the subject matter, while lecturers also developed better teaching and facilitated skills and maintained their status as qualified and professional educators. Further exploration of lecture's stress management is needed to have a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of innovative teaching methods.