An insight on innovative teaching strategies: A cross-sectional survey among the oral medicine and radiology faculties in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, India

Abstract

Background: Education in recent years has evolved in leaps and bounds. Traditional pedagogical methods may still be useful, but education today revolves more around encouraging the students to awaken their curiosity and desire to learn. Many new methods have emerged using technology in the classroom, giving education a new lease of life allowing us to approach ideas in new ways. Aim: This survey was conducted to assess the awareness of new teaching methods among the Oral Medicine and Radiology (OMR) faculties in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry and their perception towards practice of new teaching methods in dental curriculum. Methods: Purposive sampling was done and self-administered, online questionnaire was sent to the faculties of Oral Medicine and Radiology in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry to collect data regarding the interest and practice of new teaching methods and their perception of new teaching methods towards enhancement of students skills. Results: A response rate of 94.56% was obtained. About 92% of faculty members found that new methods will be effective in dental education but only 56% of teaching faculty felt that it would replace the conventional methods. The faculties agreed that various skills of the students will improve with new teaching methods. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was found among the various designations of OMR teaching faculties and their perception towards enhancing the students skills. Conclusion: Thus, the faculties were aware and accepted that the new teaching methods were the need of the hour to improve students skills, independent learning and engage them in continuous learning.