The Use of Building Blocks to Teach Communication and Social Skills to First-year Pharmacy Students

Abstract

Objective. To conduct an innovative workshop activity using plastic building blocks to create a student-centric environment that encouraged development of creative thinking skills and self-reflection in undergraduate pharmacy students.Methods. Students were randomly allocated into small groups of four and assigned the role of either architect or team builder and tasked with creating a LEGO robot. Students were not allowed to speak during the activity. The architect was tasked with providing instructions to team builders on how to build the robot using nonverbal communication. After completion of the task, each group was asked to reflect on the exercise and share what they learned with the entire class. These discussions were video recorded and thematically analyzed.Results. The metaphorical models that students built served as a basis for discussion, problem-solving, and decision-making. Students described how this activity enabled them to mentally and visually link abstract concepts, such as decision-making and problem-solving, to actual practice. Three themes were identified from the qualitative study: thinking with hands, listening with eyes; linking theory to practice; and learning through reflection.Conclusion. This activity offered a non-confrontational way to support communication and the learning process. The use of an interactive game can be a useful teaching strategy to create an active-learning environment, helping pharmacy students improve their social and cognitive skills, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.