Abstract
Background: Active learning strategies and the use of technology in classes have been widely indicated to enhance learning. Although much has been discussed on these topics, few studies have addressed them with adequate experimental designs. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of a strategy coupling active learning methodology and technology –video lectures production by students – on the students’ learning in comparison with traditional approaches. Methods: To investigate the impact of video production on students’ learning, approximately half of one class of undergraduate students in a Pharmacy program attended traditional classes on one of its modules, while the other half was instructed to elaborate video lectures about the same content. We recorded their scores in two exams on the topic covered by the video lectures, one prior to intervention and the second after the intervention. We also recorded their score in a final exam at the end of the course, which covered all modules in the course, and applied a questionnaire to assess students’ perceptions about the applied methodology. Results: The average score of the students in the video group became 46% higher than the control group’s score. The score on the final exam at the end of the course showed no difference between groups. Most of the students reported that the video lectures they produced in class improved their academic performance. Conclusions: The video lecture production activity, a teaching instrument that relies on active learning and technology, was able to improve learning indicators of a group of randomly selected students in comparison with a control group of students who attended traditional expository classes given by an instructor.
Highlights
Teaching approaches that involve active learning lead to greater motivation to study and increased interaction among students in comparison to expository class given by a professor (Conway et al, 2010; Gleason et al, 2011)
After studying the use of herbal medicines in two different ways, the average score of the students in the video group had become 46% higher than the control group’s score (p < 0.001; Figure 1)
The final exam at the end of the course, which included all content covered during the semester, showed no difference between the scores of the video and control groups (p > 0.05; Figure 2)
Summary
Teaching approaches that involve active learning lead to greater motivation to study and increased interaction among students in comparison to expository class given by a professor (Conway et al, 2010; Gleason et al, 2011). This study investigated the effect of a strategy coupling active learning methodology and technology –video lectures production by students – on the students’ learning in comparison with traditional approaches. Methods: To investigate the impact of video production on students’ learning, approximately half of one class of undergraduate students in a Pharmacy program attended traditional classes on one of its modules, while the other half was instructed to elaborate video lectures about the same content We recorded their scores in two exams on the topic covered by the video lectures, one prior to intervention and the second after the intervention. Conclusions: The video lecture production activity, a teaching instrument that relies on active learning and technology, was able to improve learning indicators of a group of randomly selected students in comparison with a control group of students who attended traditional expository classes given by an instructor
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
