Game Based Learning Approach (Gbl) To Improve Student’s Learning Performance In Dental Academics

Abstract

Background: Rapid advancements in computer technology have created a new platform for teaching students of present generations. Dental education is rapidly evolving and expectation for variety in curriculum teaching for improving student’s performance skills is the need of an hour. Hence, the Aim of this study was to analyze a game based learning method in the subject of Oral pathology to improve student’s learning performance in the subject.

Objectives: (1)To analyze TAO game based learning software in the subject of Oral Pathology (2)To compare the learning performance using Traditional learning method and the Game Based Learning method (3)To examine student’s perception for same and to evaluate student’s satisfaction by applying Likert’s Scale.

Materials & Method: An interventional experimental study design was conducted among 120 dental students registered in 2^nd and 3^rd BDS for the subject of Oral Pathology. The topic selected was “Odontogenic Cyst”. Students were divided into 2 groups - Control group (exposed to traditional method) and Experimental group (exposed to TAO game based learning software). To evaluate the measurable academic improvements in both groups, pre/ posttest questionnaire consisting of 15 questions were formulated & performance scores to relevant content based sessions on the topic was assessed and subjected to statistical analysis. Finally, the attitude of students towards GBL approach was measured using Likert’s Scale.

Results: Paired t test was done to compare between both groups. The Mean ± Std. Dev of pre-test of control group & experimental group showed statistical significant difference between 2^nd and 3^rd years students.Unpaired t test was done to compare students satisfaction by applying Likert’s Scale (2^nd year students - 4.3 ± 0.6 was significantly higher than mean satisfaction of 3^rdyear students - 3.9 ± 0.4 (p=0.009)

Conclusion: Game based learning method can improve students’ learning performance.