Teaching innovation in the dental curriculum: student feedback and future aspects

Abstract

Introduction: Education is a constant and evolving field. With changing times, there is a need to change the teaching methodologies to involve the students in the learning process through different approaches. Aim: To assess the feedback of dental students on introducing newer teaching innovations i.e. crossword puzzles and spinwheel games. Materials and Methods: The study included 112 Dental students and 75 dental intern through convenience sampling in a dental college of Greater Noida who were involved in interactive sessions viz crosswords and spinwheel games in the subject of Public Health Dentistry. The students were the asked to fill a feedback form which was both open ended and close ended in nature. The questionnaire was pre-validated and pre-tested. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0 and the chi square test was applied to find out statistical differences, if any. Results: The sample consisted of 27 (14.4%) BDS third year, 85 (45.5%) BDS Final year students and 75 (40.1%) dental interns. The entire study population had a strong female predilection (126, 67.4%). A majority of the students 165 (88.2%) statistically favored the teaching innovation (p<.05) and responded positively to conducting such activities in the future. The students, in particular girls favoured these teaching methodologies more as compared to males. Conclusion: Students preferred that use of such innovative techniques for learning as it was an interactive and informative session. We suggest the inclusion of such methodologies in the teaching curriculum.

Keywords

• Innovation
• Crossword
• Spinwheel
• Teaching
• Students
• Feedback