Interactive large-group teaching in a dermatology course

Abstract

This is a prospective study to find out whether an interactive large-group case-based teaching approach combined with small-group bedside teaching improves student satisfaction and learning outcome in a practical dermatology course. During two consecutive terms a rotating system of large-group interactive case-study-method teaching with two tutors (one content expert, one process facilitator) and bedside teaching with randomly appointed tutors was evaluated with a nine-item questionnaire and multiple-choice test performed at the beginning and the end of the course (n = 204/231 students evaluable). The results of three different didactic approaches utilized over the prior year served as a control. The interactive course was rated significantly better (p < 0.0001) than the standard course with regard to all items. The aggregate mark given by the students for the whole course was 1.58–0.61 (mean ± SD, range 1 (good)–5 (poor)). This was significantly better than the standard course (p < 0.0001) and not different from small-group teaching approaches. The mean test results in the final examination improved significantly (p < 0.01). The combination of large-group interactive teaching and small-group bedside teaching was well accepted, improved the learning outcome, was rated as good as a small-group didactic approach and needed fewer resources in terms of personnel.

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

F.R. Ochsendorf

FALK OCHSENDORF, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of the J.W.Goethe-University in Frankfurt. His main academic focus in education is in the area of improving the education in Dermatology and Faculty Development.

W.-H. Boehncke

WOLF-HENNING BOEHNCKE, MD, is a professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of the J.W.Goethe-University in Frankfurt.

M. Sommerlad

MANON SOMMERLAD, MD, is resident in the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of the J.W.Goethe-University in Frankfurt.

R. Kaufmann

KAUFMANN, ROLAND, MD, is Professor and Director of the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of the J.W.Goethe-University in Frankfurt.