Perception of teachers regarding dental student's classroom behavior: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: Effective teaching is critical for student learning, especially in professional fields such as dentistry and dental hygiene and further, the effective behavior of educator must include organization, enthusiasm, empathy, rapport, clarity, general knowledge, and being available for students. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess teachers' perception regarding the final-year dental students' classroom behavior. Materials and Methods: Data for this qualitative study came from three focus group discussions (FGDs) with teachers teaching final-year BDS students. Participants (n = 15) represented the department of pedodontics, prosthodontics, and conservative and endodontic dentistry. FGD was conducted department wise with participation of five teachers each. A conceptual framework was prepared with seven questions for conducting FGD. Data from the FGD were analyzed by combining similar quotes into categories. Results: The data from the FGD led to the formation of seven categories with similar quotes in each category. Teachers reported about different behaviors of students depicting their lack of attention in lectures with the most common reason being: engaging in electronic gadgets, chatting with each other, yawning, and getting bored after 5 min of commencement of lecture. Teachers also mentioned the hectic schedule of students being one of the reasons for lack of attention. Suggestions of improving students' behavior were also reported which included different meditation techniques and change in classroom structure. Conclusion: The study reveals that teachers face a lot of inappropriate behavior from the students' side while delivering a lecture in the classroom. Different ways can be employed to increase the concentration of the students.