Fostering Inductive and Deductive Learning in Oral Microbiology and Immunology With a Dual-Role Duel Card Game:...

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology and immunology education
• Health professions education
• Educational game design

Background:

• Game-based learning is effective in healthcare education.
• Lack of tailored games for oral microbiology and immunology learning styles.
• Need for engaging educational tools in specialized scientific fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and evaluate an educational card game for oral microbiology and immunology.
• Support diverse learning styles through a duel-style game format.
• Enhance cognitive improvement in dental students.

Main Methods:

• Explanatory sequential mixed methods study with 40 third-year dental students.
• Duel-style card game with alternating host and microbe roles.
• Quantitative (knowledge assessments, satisfaction surveys) and qualitative (interviews) data collection.

Main Results:

• Significant knowledge score improvements (P<.001) across all students.
• Positive student perceptions of game usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment.
• Role variation supported both inductive and deductive learning, enhancing engagement.

Conclusions:

• The card game effectively enhances knowledge and engagement in oral microbiology and immunology.
• Role-switching between host and microbe roles facilitates varied learning experiences.
• Further research needed on long-term retention and broader applicability.