Use of Adaptive Learning Technology to Promote Self-Directed Learning in a Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process Course

Abstract

Objective. One goal of pharmacy educators is to help students become self-directed learners. A method that may help achieve this goal is adaptive learning technology (ALT), which provides real-time feedback on students' strengths and weaknesses. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate student changes in self-directed learning (SDL) in a Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP) course using ALT. Methods. PPCP was delivered using traditional teaching methods in fall 2018 and ALT in spring 2019. First-year student pharmacists were surveyed three times throughout the academic year on SDL factors. Focus groups were conducted at the end of the spring semester to identify perceptions of course delivery. Multilevel linear modeling and qualitative content analysis were used to evaluate the surveys and the focus groups, respectively. Results. Ninety-two of 106 students completed all three surveys. Scores on stress management, and exam management increased from the beginning to the end of the academic year. Scores on seminar (lecture) learning proficiency, procrastination management, and time management decreased from the beginning to the end of the year. Assignment management and comprehension competence trends varied from ends of the first and second semesters. Themes identified from the focus groups were student learning preferences, semester comparisons, value, and technology. Conclusion. Student pharmacists struggled with the integration of ALT into their previously established study routines. Focus groups helped add context to SDL scores. Although statistically significant differences were found for some SDL factors, it is difficult to conclude at this time if implementation of ALT improved SDL.

What learning strategies are commonly used by hospital pharmacists in the process of self-directed learning? A multicentre qualitative study

“… 4 In the face of a vast array of learning resources and a learning environment that lacks explicit direction, self-directed learning (SDL) is a skill that they need to acquire in continuing education. 5 However, studies have reported that medical professionals encounter many difficulties during the process of SDL. 6 Similarly, a commentary article mentioned hospital pharmacists may encounter challenges when engaging in SDL.…”

“…Critically, learning is self-directed in the absence of explicit direction 4. In the face of a vast array of learning resources and a learning environment that lacks explicit direction, self-directed learning (SDL) is a skill that they need to acquire in continuing education 5. However, studies have reported that medical professionals encounter many difficulties during the process of SDL 6.…”

Student Pharmacists’ Perspectives Regarding a Virtually Delivered Research Proposal Course in the Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum

“…These skills are important because pharmacists are responsible for synthesizing reliable and valid healthcare research and providing it to the patients and communities they serve. This is all the more important during a pandemic, when there is rapidly evolving and sometimes contrasting information available [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Impact of Self-Directed Learning Modules on Preparing Students to Take the FE Exam

“…Previous studies in the literature have shown that self-directed learning modules (SDLMs) are strong factors in influencing students' learning outcomes in traditional learning settings or distance learning environments [6]. SDLMs have been implemented to undergraduate medical students in biochemistry [7], medical student knowledge and attitudes regarding decision-making capacity [8], teaching kinematics [9], and pharmacists' patient care process course [10], etc.…”