Guided inquiry-based learning to enhance student engagement, confidence, and learning.

PURPOSE: This study explores the impact of guided inquiry-based learning (IBL) on student engagement and performance in a dental hygiene program. The research was conducted with 36 dental hygiene students, focusing on enhancing student engagement using a guided IBL methodology that could ultimately lead to improved student performance and confidence. METHODS: Delivered through two interventions, pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests evaluated student performance and confidence, while the ASPECT survey assessed student engagement. The interventions included a lecture (intervention #1) and a group-based IBL worksheet activity (intervention #2). Statistical analyses using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested the impact of these interventions on student performance and confidence-adjusted scores. RESULTS: Results showed significant improvements in student performance and confidence following both interventions, with notably higher gains after the IBL activity. Analysis of ASPECT survey data revealed positive perceptions of engagement, emphasizing the importance of group dynamics, instructor roles, and the activity's value. Students reported enhanced understanding and engagement through group interactions and individual study. The study also highlighted the critical role of the instructor in facilitating and guiding the IBL activity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study demonstrates that guided IBL strategies can significantly enhance student confidence and performance, suggesting a sustainable impact on learning outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of active, engaged learning methodologies in healthcare education, particularly in enhancing long-term retention and understanding of complex topics. The study advocates for integrating such strategies into academic curricula to foster deeper student engagement and improved educational experiences.

Effect of shift to virtual teaching on active learning: A snapshot.

PURPOSE: Active learning engages students via interaction for deeper understanding and retention. A global pandemic resulted in an abrupt mid-semester transition from in-person to virtual learning. This study examined student reporting on active learning before and after this transition. METHODS: First-year DDS candidates took an anonymous survey, reflecting on three Spring (January-April) 2020 courses (lecture-style, small-group case-based, and pre-clinical). Survey questions included: (1) basic demographics, (2) reporting frequency (1-Never, 2-Rarely, 3-Sometimes, 4-Often, 5-Always) of active learning elements from a pre-set list before/after the shift to online learning, and (3) Likert-style questions regarding effects on active learning and learning environment preference. RESULTS: The traditional lecture course manifested two active learning activities in the category Sometimes prior to the transition to virtual; one of those activities (question and answer) experienced the most significant difference (p < 0.0001) in frequency change. The small group, case-based course incorporated nine activities in-person in the category Sometimes; although small significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in frequency were noted for five of those activities between virtual and in-person, these differences may have not have made a difference in practice. The pre-clinical course incorporated four activities in the category Sometimes pre-transition, with no significant differences detected in frequency. Students slightly leaned toward preferring in-person for the small-group and pre-clinical courses, but had no preference for the traditional lecture course. CONCLUSIONS: Course structure may correlate more with student experience of the frequency of active learning activities and preference for in-person versus virtual environment than the environment itself.