Team-based learning versus traditional lectures in local anesthesia course: A cross-sectional study exploring dental...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Dental Education

Background:

• Team-based learning (TBL) offers a student-centered alternative to conventional lectures.
• Transforming lectures into active learning processes can enhance engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore student perceptions of team-based learning (TBL).
• To compare student performance in local anesthesia after TBL sessions versus traditional lectures.

Main Methods:

• Eight local anesthesia topics were taught using TBL sessions and traditional lectures over two academic years.
• TBL incorporated tests and group discussions.
• A cross-sectional questionnaire assessed student perceptions of both teaching methods.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation (r=0.780, P<0.05) was found between teaching methods and student responses.
• Students demonstrated improved performance following TBL sessions.

Conclusions:

• Team-based learning (TBL) is a preferred learning technique for students.
• Substituting didactic lectures with TBL leads to better student performance and positive perceptions.