Qualitative evaluation of learning environment in Indian teaching dental institutions from the students’ perspective using focus group interviews

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe perspectives of students towards their learning environment has seldom been in introspect in Indian dental institutions, which are against the advocacy of international dental education working groups. The aim of this study is to document students' perceptions of their learning environment in two of the thirteen teaching dental institutions in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. METHODS This qualitative study, involving focus group interviews, was conducted among undergraduate dental students in two teaching dental institutions in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Theoretical sampling was done with concurrent conduct of purposive sampling for focus group interviews and two researchers who participated in the presession were involved in moderating the interviews, which consisted of groups of six to eight participants. All the focus group interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed using general inductive approach to extract themes. RESULTS Problems in lectures and in the clinical learning environment, dissatisfaction with evaluation processes and poor academic drive were identified as the major themes responsible for negative learning outcomes. Some of the responses given by the students highlighted their disinclination towards receiving feedback and emphasized the need to move away from the authoritarian approach in teacher-student interactions. Evaluation is a major domain where reforms are necessary, as opined by the students. CONCLUSIONS The perspectives of students towards the learning environment has seldom been in introspect in Indian dental institutions, which may have a substantial negative impact on students' attitudes and efficiency.

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“…Therefore, ensuring a conducive learning environment will facilitate better learning. 1,6 The perception of learning via lectures varied amongst students, but overall, the students expressed satisfaction and suggested some improvements. Firstyear students were happier with classroom teaching, whereas the senior years expressed dissatisfaction and suggested improvements.…”

“…It also incorporates the culture of a college, the way students interact with each other, and also the methods faculty employs in an educational setting to facilitate better learning. 1 Curriculum development relies on understanding the learning environment. Therefore, exploring the learning environment helps in identifying the program's strengths and weaknesses by providing an outline for reorganizing and improving the areas demanding changes.…”

“…A more recent trend in quality enhancement and shift towards student-centered teaching, researchers are becoming more interested in students' perception of their environment for guiding them to introspect, devise and incorporate the best teaching strategies for upgrading the educational environment. 1,4 Many instruments were developed for assessing the students' perception of the learning environments, such as the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM), Medical School Learning Environment Survey (MSLES), Anatomy Education Environment Measurement Inventory (AEEMI), Clinical Learning Environment Inventory (CLEI), DSLES (Dental Student Learning Environment Survey), and others. 4,5 The face of dentistry is changing globally, and Pakistan is no exception.…”

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