Flipped classroom showdown: game-based vs. case-based learning in pharmacy education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pharmacy Education
• Active Learning Strategies

Background:

• Active learning methods, including flipped classrooms, case-based learning (CBL), and game-based learning (GBL), are crucial in medical and pharmacy education.
• While studies suggest benefits, direct comparisons of CBL and GBL within virtual flipped classrooms are limited, especially regarding learning outcomes and student satisfaction.
• This study addresses this gap by comparing the effectiveness of GBL and CBL in a virtual flipped classroom setting for pharmacy students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of game-based learning (GBL) versus case-based learning (CBL) in a virtual flipped classroom for pharmacy pharmacotherapy education.
• To assess and compare learning outcomes between GBL and CBL groups.
• To measure and compare student satisfaction levels with GBL and CBL methods.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-six fourth-year PharmD students were randomly assigned to either the GBL or CBL group.
• Both groups participated in virtual flipped instruction classrooms on pharmacotherapy topics, followed by in-class activities.
• Learning outcomes were assessed using knowledge-based tests, and student satisfaction was measured via a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Main Results:

• Both GBL and CBL groups demonstrated significant learning gains, with consistently higher (though not statistically significant) test scores observed in the GBL group.
• Student satisfaction was higher in the GBL group (3.82) compared to the CBL group (3.61), with a notable positive impact on students with lower GPAs in the GBL group.
• No statistically significant differences were found in test scores or satisfaction levels between the GBL and CBL groups, although GBL showed a slight-to-moderate effect size advantage in final test scores and progress rates.

Conclusions:

• Both case-based learning (CBL) and game-based learning (GBL) are effective methods for enhancing student learning outcomes within a virtual flipped classroom in pharmacy education.
• There were no statistically significant differences in test performance or student satisfaction between the GBL and CBL methods.
• Overall, CBL and GBL are equally effective pedagogical approaches for virtual pharmacy education settings.