Journal Article

Evaluating differently tutored groups in problem-based learning in a German dental curriculum: a mixed methods study

Ochsendorf, Falk, Rüttermann, Stefan, Gerhardt-Szep, Susanne, Kunkel, Florian, Böckers, Anja, Hansen, Miriam, Moeltner, Andreas

2016

Overview

Background It is still unclear to what extent the PBL tutor affects learning in PBL-sessions. This mixed-methods study (Part 1 and 2) evaluated the effects of facilitative (f) versus non-facilitative (nf) tutoring roles on knowledge-gain and group functioning in the field of endodontics. Methods Part 1 was a quantitative assessment of tutor effectiveness within a prospective, experimental, single-blind, stratified, randomized, two-group intervention study. Participants attended PBL in the context of a hybrid curriculum. A validated questionnaire was used and knowledge assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. External observers rated tutor performance. Part 2 was a qualitative assessment of tutor effectiveness and consisted of semi-structured expert interviews with tutors and focus group discussions with students. Results Part 1: f tutors obtained significantly higher scores than nf tutors with respect to learning motivation and tutor effectiveness ( p  ≤ 0.05). nf tuition resulted in a slightly larger knowledge gain ( p  = 0.08). External observers documented a significantly higher activity among facilitative tutors compared to non-facilitative tutors. Part 2: Tutors found the f role easier although this led to a less autonomous working climate. The students rated f tutoring as positive in all cases. Conclusions With respect to PBL-group performance, students felt that groups guided in a non-facilitative fashion exhibited a higher level of independence and autonomy, especially with increasing PBL experience. In addition, students reported that more preparation was necessary for sessions guided by a non-facilitative tutor. Tutors were able to modify their role and influence group processes in a controlled manner. Results are useful for future “Train-the-Teacher” sessions.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,BioMed Central Ltd
• Subject: Adult / Curricula / Curriculum / Education / Education, Dental - methods / Educational Measurement / Evaluation Studies as Topic / Factor Analysis, Statistical / Female / Focus Groups / Germany / Humans / Male / Medical Education / Mentors - education / Methods / Problem-Based Learning - methods / Prospective Studies / Research Article / Schools, Dental - organization & administration / Single-Blind Method / Students, Dental - statistics & numerical data / Theory of Medicine/Bioethics / Young Adult