Practical Lessons Research Articles

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Education in a Joint Medical Program from the Students’ Perspective

Aim: In the 21st century, despite advanced technology, pandemics and natural disasters have forced universities to evacuate their classrooms. As a result, there has been a shift from conventional to online education. This study aimed to examine the advantages and disadvantages of online education for preclinical medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and May 2021. The study population comprised preclinical medical students of the Marmara University–Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Joint Medical Program. The survey form used in the study was prepared using Google Forms, and a special link was sent to all students via the Microsoft Teams platform used for distance education. The survey included four sections, namely, demographic characteristics, advantages of online education, disadvantages of online education, and references of students. Results: The survey was sent to all students (n = 155) enrolled in the preclinical program, and 112 students (72%) participated in the study. Of the participants, 63.4% were women; moreover, 38.4% were Turkish, 31.3% were Turkish Cypriot, and 30.3% were international students. The number of students in the first, second, and third years were 35, 51, and 26, respectively. The most common advantages of online education were a chance to review missed parts of the lesson (97.3%), an opportunity to plan the study time (59.8%), and increased comfort (54.5%). The majority of the students indicated that they faced numerous challenges during online education. The most common issues were the difficulty in learning practical lessons, lack of socializing, ineffective communication, technical issues during online classes, less interactive lectures that resulted in concentration loss, and difficulty in obtaining answers from lecturers. Of the surveyed students, 48.2% preferred conventional education, only 9.8% favored online education, and 42% preferred hybrid education. Conclusions: Preclinical students at Marmara University–EMU Joint Medical Program prefer conventional education over online education. Although rewatching a lecture is a key advantage of online education, it is associated with several disadvantages for medical students. However, distance education seems to have become inevitable owing to factors such as diseases, natural disasters, and wars in the region as well as advancements in information technology. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research to overcome the limitations.

Theoretical insights into telemedicine and healthcare ICT: lessons from implementation in Africa and the United States

This review paper explores the theoretical insights and practical lessons learned from the implementation of telemedicine and healthcare Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Africa and the United States. By comparing the challenges, strategies, and outcomes of telemedicine initiatives in these diverse healthcare settings, the paper highlights the importance of context-specific solutions, supportive policy frameworks, and the role of technology in overcoming barriers to healthcare access. The analysis reveals key theoretical frameworks such as the adaptive model of telemedicine implementation and the ecosystem approach, emphasizing the necessity for flexibility, interoperability, and equity in telemedicine services. The paper concludes with implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, ICT developers, and recommendations for future research, aiming to enhance the global understanding and deployment of telemedicine.

Exploring Employability Competencies in Construction Trades: A Comparative Analysis of Bricklaying/Block Laying and Concreting Graduates in Diverse Specializations in Gombe State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to Explore the Employability Competencies in Construction Trades: A Comparative Analysis of Bricklaying/Block Laying and Concreting Graduates in Diverse Specializations in Gombe State, Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The study's population comprised 85 respondents, including 21 administrators, 48 teachers, and 16 building supervisors, making sampling unnecessary due to the manageable size of the population. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire titled "Perceived Employability Competencies Questionnaire (PECQ)," specifically designed by the researchers to align with the research questions. The questionnaire featured two sections, A and B, and underwent face validation by three experts in the Department of Technology Education at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State. The instrument demonstrated a high reliability coefficient of 0.83, determined through Cronbach Alpha. Data analysis for the research questions involved calculating mean and standard deviation, while ANOVA was employed to test null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed among others that 24 employability competencies in bricklaying/block laying possessed and required by Graduate Students of BBC trade. 15 employability competencies in concreting were possessed and required by Graduate Students of BBC trade. It is recommended that Students of BBC trade should be exposed to activities that involve bricklaying and block laying works so that the students can improve their competencies when performing blocklaying work. And administrators of Technical Colleges should ensure that materials for concrete practice are provided to ensure adequate skill acquisition during practical lessons.

A Case for the Inclusion of Informal Social Protection in Social Policy Theory and Practice—Lessons From Nigeria and Pakistan

This paper argues for the integration of informal social protection into social policy theory and practice through a comparative analysis of informal mechanisms in Pakistan and Nigeria. In developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa, where formal social protection coverage is limited, informal social protection plays a crucial role in addressing gaps in the welfare system. The findings not only contribute to a comprehensive understanding of welfare systems but also support for the cohesive integration of formal and informal social protection, providing evidence for policy improvements in developing and less developed countries.

Teaching Cases and Reflections on "Saving Mother Earth"

Taking the practical lesson of moral education "Saving the Earth Mother" as an example, the article discusses how to use network resources to improve the teaching effect of moral education classroom. The author believes that the moral education classroom can be improved through these three ways:use network resources, create situations, and stimulate learning interest;Use network resources, effectively guide and break through the key and difficult points of teaching; Guide students to use network resources to cultivate their information literacy. Practice has proved that reasonable use of network resources for teaching has achieved the ideal effect that traditional teaching cannot match.

Особенности преподавания аналитической химии студентам фармацевтического профиля

The article reveals some features of teaching analytical chemistry as one of the main subjects for training future pharmacists. It is shown that the course of analytical chemistry forms the basic practical skills necessary in subsequent professional activity. The difficulties of teaching analytical chemistry associated with time constraints and a large volume of material that is submitted for consideration at the lecture are noted. This requires a very clear structure and sequence from the teacher, as well as multimedia accompaniment, which contributes to a better perception of the material presented and its assimilation. It is necessary that each practical lesson be provided with methodological recommendations, materials for preparing for a practical lesson, tests for knowledge control, situational tasks, as well as methodological recommendations for independent work of students. Special attention is paid to the importance of solving computational problems, which is an integral part of the practical lesson. This allows you to better understand the basic methods and techniques of chemical analysis, as well as acquire comprehensive chemical knowledge necessary for the successful study of professional disciplines. Assimilation of knowledge in analytical chemistry is a necessary step in preparing students for the conscious perception of specialized disciplines – pharmaceutical chemistry, technology, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, toxicological chemistry.

Digital transformation in a large democracy: the case of India

ABSTRACT This article examines India’s ambitious digital transformation program that has sustained over the last decade. The digital transformation effort started around 2009 with the creation of the digital identity program and continues until now with additional layers of digital payments, data empowerment architecture, open network for digital commerce, and several others. Using the interpretive narrative approach, we examine the empirical case of three core digital transformation initiatives commonly referred to as the India Stack: (1) Aadhar – the digital identity system, (2) Unified Payment Interface – the digital payment infrastructure, and (3) Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture – a data sharing architecture. Our findings suggest that institutional leadership and stakeholder co-production are the main drivers behind the success of digital transformation in India. The leadership provided the sustained vision, institutional continuity, and the legal and regulatory framework for digital transformation initiatives. Stakeholder partnerships from across public, private, and non-profit agencies were crucial to the design and delivery of the program. This study offers theoretical insights and practical lessons for scholars and practitioners alike for how a large-scale digital transformation is implemented and sustained in a complex environment.

Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Vision 2030’s Impact

This comprehensive rapid review meticulously evaluates the transformative influence of Vision 2030 on the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. Vision 2030, with its broad scope, targets an extensive overhaul of healthcare through infrastructure enhancement, digital health adoption, workforce empowerment, innovative public health initiatives, and advancements in quality of care and patient safety. By employing a rigorous analytical approach, this review synthesizes a broad spectrum of data highlighting Saudi Arabia’s significant progress toward establishing an accessible, efficient, and superior healthcare system. It delves into the kingdom’s alignment with global healthcare trends and its distinctive contributions, notably in digital health and public health, illustrating a proactive stance on future healthcare challenges. The analysis rigorously explores Vision 2030’s ambitious objectives and the concrete outcomes achieved, providing deep insights into the evolving healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it assesses the global ramifications of these reformative efforts, emphasizing the pivotal themes of innovation, equity, and excellence as the foundation for future healthcare advancements. This review not only sheds light on Vision 2030’s extensive impact on Saudi healthcare but also positions the kingdom as an exemplar of healthcare innovation and reform on the global stage, offering valuable lessons for healthcare policy and practice around the world.

EU awareness: unlocking the European potential of cities and regions

ABSTRACT This article provides insights from a 1-year-long collaboration of four cities, a university of applied sciences and the regional authorities of South-Holland (Netherlands) on how to increase awareness of European (funding, knowledge-sharing, influencing) opportunities for local and regional administrations. Increased Europeanisation can bring significant opportunities for cities and regions, while a lack of awareness amongst directors and decision-makers in local and regional authorities can hinder the ability of these organisations to capitalise on these European opportunities. On the basis of the community of practice a toolbox with 13 practical lessons was developed, and this article provides practical strategies for unlocking the European potential of cities and regions.

Enlightening Stakeholders on the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts and Preparation for Minimizing Future Pandemics’ Negative Effects on Occupational Therapists

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of professional disciplines including occupational therapy; however, little is known about how much of an impact the COVID-19 pandemic affected occupational therapy practice in Ghana. This study examined the impacts, coping strategies, and COVID-19 pandemic lessons for occupational therapy practices in the future. A descriptive qualitative design was employed with a purposive and convenience sampling methods to recruit occupational therapists from four practice settings in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four major themes were identified from the analysis enlightening stakeholders on the impact and preparation for minimizing the impact of future pandemics on the workloads of an occupational therapist. The major themes are (1) impacts of the COVID-19 on occupational therapy practice and practitioners; (2) aspects or domains of work significantly affected by the pandemic; (3) the existing strategies employed to handle the challenges; and (4) strategies to minimize these challenges in the future. The current study has enlightened stakeholders on the need to make alternate preparations including telehealth, continuous support for telehealth infrastructures, training of practitioners, and research to adapt intervention strategies effectively.

From Research to Roach Traps: Practical Considerations for a Home-Based Asthma Program.

Home-based asthma interventions have a significant evidence base as an effective means to address moderate and severe breathing concerns triggered by home conditions. However, the literature lacks logistical and staffing considerations necessary to successfully implement such a program at a governmental level. This practice report and process evaluation outlines practical details and lessons learned during a healthy homes pilot, and how they were addressed in the design of a permanent program. To inform the creation of a permanent home-based asthma intervention at the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) (City of Alexandria, Virginia) and understand the tools and resources necessary for success. Participating households received a health and environmental assessment, followed by cleaning supplies, relevant education, and referrals to partners for services. AHD staff tracked challenges and insights at each step of the intervention. At the end of the pilot, staff worked with the community to identify solutions and design a permanent program. Although the pilot model was constructed based on existing case studies, technical assistance from national experts, and guidance documents, the team still experienced challenges around recruitment, staff support, home visit implementation, and impact evaluation. While pilots and existing literature can be instructive for identifying issues, work with residents and partners to develop a uniquely tailored community program was essential for practical success. Health departments developing new initiatives should consider both the staff and participant experience throughout the creation of administrative and programmatic processes. Testing out draft versions of these processes and materials using internal and external focus groups can identify potential bottlenecks and solutions upfront.

Improving the sustainability of banks using insightful corporate governance practices: a qualitative inquiry in an emerging economy

Purpose In the past few years, researchers across the world have been attracted to corporate governance (CG) and sustainability studies in the banking space. However, inconsistencies remain, which have created a lack of alignment in existing research. To address this problem, this paper aims to re-examines the CG–bank sustainability relationship using a qualitative design, which has been underused in the field, to generate in-depth, useful and novel analysis and insights that may hide behind the numbers. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative inquiry was conducted using key informants in Ghana’s banking industry. This study made use of purposive and snowball sampling techniques, an interview guide and the thematic approach to qualitative data analysis. Findings Firstly, this research finds that while larger boards do not promote bank sustainability, those who are independent and have diversified expertise and experiences do. Secondly, CEO duality can boost bank sustainability only if the CEO is actively engaged and performing. Thirdly, this study finds that foreign-owned and managed banks make more profits only if they have good knowledge of the local market. Research limitations/implications This research makes the call that upcoming researchers should replicate this research in other banking settings worldwide to validate the results. Practical implications Practical lessons for local and foreign-owned banks and their shareholders are discussed to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8. Originality/value This research shares novel insights that offer clarity to the literature and move the CG and sustainability fields forward.

The Role of Science Teachers in the Implementation of Quality School based Assessments in Selected Zambian Secondary Schools

The introduction of School based Assessments in Zambia were aimed at improving the teaching and learning as well as raise the bar of students performance in the country. However, the implementation of SBA in secondary schools faces unique challenges, particularly in the context of Zambia, exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the implementation of SBA in science subjects within selected Zambian schools, aiming to develop an evidence-based framework for sustaining the quality delivery of SBA in science education. Through a comprehensive investigation, this research examined the alignment of SBA practices with guidelines and identified gaps in implementation processes. Key objectives included assessing the evaluation of SBA policy since its rollout, examining administration processes, identifying challenges faced by stakeholders, and proposing interventions for improvement. Methodologically, the study employed tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions to collect data. Qualitative data was analysed thematically while quantitative data was analysed using SPSS tool. Research findings revealed that teachers perceived SBA as a process of enhancing teaching and learning of science through the conduct of experiments which in turn improved teachers’ capacity and confidence in handling practical lessons. SBA provided teachers with an opportunity to closely monitor learners’ strengths and weaknesses as well as checking progress of learning. However, a considerable number of teachers held that SBA was an additional load onto their already burdened schedules but mandated to implement it as it was policy. Low staffing levels, time allocated to each science period, the number of tasks, inadequate laboratories and apparatus, resource constraints, high levels of enrolment resulting from positive response of Free Education Policy, many classes to teach by one teacher and lack of motivation, dominated the challenges faced by teachers in SBA implementation. The categorization of SBA revealed a duty-bound approach towards SBA (symbolic compliance), as SBA marks were mandatory for totalling learners’ final marks at the end of secondary school level. The study's recommendations aimed to enhance SBA implementation and foster positive educational outcomes. Furthermore, suggestions for future research include exploring the long-term impact of SBAs on academic performance, conducting comparative studies across different subjects, investigating technology integration, and exploring stakeholder perspectives. The research has contributed valuable insights to the discourse on educational assessment practices, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic actions to improve science education in Zambian schools and beyond.

Preserving Roots: A Commitement to Cultural and Heritage Landscape Conservation

Lal Bagh Palace in Indore, India, stands as an architectural marvel and a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage. This research paper delves into the multifaceted endeavor of conserving Lal Bagh Palace as a cultural and heritage landscape. Through archival research, site documentation, stakeholder consultations, and community engagement, the study explores the historical significance, architectural features, and socio-cultural context of Lal Bagh Palace. It examines the challenges facing its conservation, including urban development pressures, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable tourism management. The research also evaluates conservation initiatives undertaken to preserve the palace's integrity and authenticity while enhancing its accessibility and relevance to diverse audiences. By synthesizing insights from cultural and heritage conservation, landscape management, and community involvement, the paper proposes holistic strategies for sustaining Lal Bagh Palace as a vibrant cultural asset. This study contributes to the broader discourse on cultural and heritage landscape conservation by offering practical lessons and recommendations applicable to similar historic sites. Keywords: Cultural heritage preservation, Landscape conservation, Cultural roots, Heritage landscapes, Preservation strategies, Community involvement, Conservation practices, Cultural identity, Historical significance, Sustainable development, Cultural landscapes, Traditional knowledge, Indigenous heritage, Conservation policies, Interdisciplinary approach, Cultural stewardship, Ethnographic research, Cultural sustainability, Landscape management, Preservation challenges.

‘You're changing the subject’: An unfair objection to conceptual engineering?

Abstract Conceptual engineering projects are sometimes criticized for ‘changing the subject’. In this paper, I first discuss three strategies that have been proposed to address the change of subject objection. I notice that these strategies fail in similar ways: they all deploy a ‘loose’ notion of subject matter, while the objector can always reply deploying a ‘strict’ notion. Based on this, I then argue that at least current formulations of the change of subject objection (together with the response strategies just mentioned), create an overall defective dialectic, whereby no progress can be made on either side. After considering how such defective dialectic could be (at least partly) fixed, it is concluded that current formulations of the change of subject objection may be dismissed on dialectical grounds, even though some practical lessons may still be retained from the objection.

The problem of ambiguity in the practice of a logical approach to the development of critical abilities

The intensification of the sphere of the study of critical thinking based on formal logical principles, found in the works of modern researchers, actualizes the appeal to the topic of logical analysis of language. The program settings of the course «Logic and critical Thinking» are focused on the thorough immersion of participants in the acute issues of the use of natural language. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the subjects of ambiguity in language and the operational tasks of pedagogical practice in critical thinking that arise in this regard. Understanding the experience of implementing an educational project is aimed at outlining the logical foundations of critical skills built through the prism of students’ reflexive vision. The framework of language and thinking problems is evaluated through ranking of course positions illustrating the possibilities of developing critical thinking through comprehension of language forms. The registered ambiguity is shown taking into account the requirements of the verbal or situational context in the application of the concept. The analysis of texts carried out in a practical lesson leads to the understanding of ambiguity as a linguistic norm that requires acceptance and appropriate cognitive support. The achievement of students becomes a competent vision of the content of the problem of ambiguity, characterizing critical judgment abilities in handling information. Attention is focused on the fact of terminological ambiguity, which implies the identification of clear meanings and deepening into the processes of cognition as such. The conclusion is made about the need for methodical development of the problem of ambiguity in language, since the focus on the subtleties of intellectual and speech mechanisms contributes to the formation of critical skills of project participants.

Creating a neuroanatomy education model with augmented reality and virtual reality simulations of white matter tracts.

The utilization of digital technologies has experienced a notable surge, particularly in cases where access to cadavers is constrained, within the context of practical neuroanatomy training. This study evaluates augmented reality (AR)- and virtual reality (VR)-based educational models for neuroanatomy education. Three-dimensional models were created using advanced photogrammetry. VR- and AR-based educational models were developed by arranging these 3D models to align with the learning objectives of neurosurgery residents and second-year medical students whose cadaveric training was disrupted due to an earthquake in Turkey. Participants engaged with and evaluated the VR- and AR-based educational models, followed by the completion of a 20-item graded user experience survey. A 10-question mini-test was given to assess the baseline knowledge level prior to training and to measure the achievement of learning objectives after training. Forty neurosurgery residents were trained with a VR-based educational model using VR headsets. An AR-based educational model was provided online to 200 second-year medical students for their practical neuroanatomy lesson. The average correct answer rates before the training were 7.5/10 for residents and 4.8/10 for students. These rates were significantly improved after the training to 9.7/10 for residents and to 8.7/10 for students (p < 0.001). Feedback from the users concurred that VR- and AR-based training could significantly enhance the learning experience in the field of neuroanatomy. VR/AR-based educational models have the potential to improve education. VR/AR-based training systems can serve as an auxiliary tool in neuroanatomy training, offering a realistic alternative to traditional learning tools.

Hybrid Technology Incorporated Into Colombian Heavy Oil Field Development Plan

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 213199, “Incorporating Hybrid Technology of CSS and Foam in Heavy Oil Field Development Plans: Practical Experiences and Lessons Learned,” by Romel A. Perez, SPE, Hector A. Rodriguez, and Jorge E. Romero, Ecopetrol, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ A research and development project was conducted to study the use of preformed foams to improve cyclic steam stimulation (CSS). The field results showed benefits in incremental oil production, improvements in energy efficiency, and reduction in carbon intensity. Based on those outcomes, and with the goal of extending the production life of mature assets, the hybrid technology of CSS plus foam improvements was incorporated into the heavy oil field development plans of the Middle Magdalena Valley (MMV) basin in Colombia. Pilot Results: 2019–2022 CSS maturity is one of the major challenges in the MMV. Many wells report more than 10 steam cycles, decreasing oil productivity, and a trend of shorter steam cycles (less than 10 months). Most injected steam drained the higher-flow-capacity intervals based on the permeability contrast within the pay zone and openhole completions. Therefore, the bullhead injection of preformed foam improvements implemented before the steam cycle was proposed as part of a conformance strategy. The main goal of the pilot test was to demonstrate the efficiency of the hybrid technology, extend the production life of steam cycles, increase oil recovery, and improve energy efficiency and carbon footprint. The CSS pilot was implemented in six wells of the Teca-Cocorna field (Fig. 1). Performance was evaluated in terms of incremental oil, carbon intensity, and energy efficiency. A similar approach was proposed to evaluate energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions of CSS and hybrid CSS based on numerical simulations and the performance of two wells in Block D-80 in China. By the end of this stage, an incremental oil of approximately 32,000 STB was confirmed. Only one well recorded almost 50% of the total incremental oil of the pilot, and one well was only evaluated for 6 months because of a mechanical failure. Incremental oil recoveries and geochemical analysis confirmed the potential of this hybrid steam method to target unswept zones in idle or marginal wells operating since the 1980s. Additionally, the Teca-Cocorna pilot reduced carbon intensity and improved energy efficiency by 56% and 54%, respectively. The reduction of the carbon intensity from 83 (baseline) to 46 kg CO2/STB represents an important achievement in terms of environmental benefits and highlights the fact that the volume of natural gas used to generate steam was optimized by using less gas by extending steam cycles to a minimum of 9 months. In other words, the CCS/foam cycle can produce as much oil as two CCS cycles in the pilot wells.

Lecture: "First Aid to the Population in Case of Traumatic Shock during Accidents, Catastrophes, Natural Disasters, and Terrorist Attacks. Anti-shock Measures in the Center of Mass Destruction and during the Evacuation Stages" of the Subject "Life Safety" for Humanitarian and Technical Universities

To prepare the population for first aid in case of traumatic shock, algorithms for the fundamentals of didactics of the educational topic “First aid to the population in case of traumatic shock during accidents, disasters, natural disasters and terrorist attacks” of the subject “Life Safety” are proposed. 32 years of experience in teaching the subject in humanitarian state educational institutions of higher professional education of a non-medical profile in the city of Syktyvkar are summarized. Educational questions are considered: 1) The concept of shock; 2) Traumatic shock; 3) Mechanisms of injury that contribute to the development of traumatic shock. Predisposing factors. Complications. At-risk groups; 4) Classification, phases, and degrees of shock; 5) Universal first aid algorithm; 6) Basic anti-shock measures in the source of mass destruction and at the stages of evacuation; 7) Features of anti-shock measures in children; 8) Typical first aid mistakes for traumatic shock. For each of the educational issues considered, a summary of the material presented is given. Depending on the purpose of studying the topic, purpose, content of educational material, and form of organization of training, the number of hours allocated to its presentation and study in various forms of the educational process is established. Their distribution includes 1 lecture (2 hours), 1 seminar (2), 1 practical lesson (2), and 6 hours of independent work by students.

Student training in administering inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia with a simple manufactured simulation model.

To compare the effectiveness of administering inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) for the first time with or without a previous practical lesson using a simple manufactured simulator. This was a study designed to compare students' first administration of IANB anesthesia during 2022, with or without a previous practical lesson. Students were randomized into two groups. The experimental group attended both theoretical lessons and a practical lesson with a simulator device, while the control group attended only theoretical lessons. The theoretical lesson included usual contents such as anatomy, physiology, technical maneuvers for administering anesthesia, tips, and complications, and the practical lesson consisted of the administration of anesthesia using a simple manufactured simulator. After students applied their first IANB, its efficacy, and their answers to a questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale were recorded. Statistical analysis consisted of the Chi-square test (p<0.05). The study recorded 60 anonymous surveys. The main difference observed was in instrument handing (p<0.05), and there was a tendency in the ease of recognition of the anatomical marks used for the technique-pterygomandibular raphe and coronoid notch of the mandible (p=0.08 and 0.11, respectively). No difference in success was observed (p>0.05). Self-confidence and personal feelings did not differ statistically. All students agreed strongly or partially that training with the simulator model was helpful. Students who used simple manufactured simulators achieved better outcomes for instrument handling, and possibly for identification of anatomical landmarks, than those who received only theoretical lessons.