Problem-Based Learning in A Dental School

Many educators and education leaders acknowledge as
well as emphasize the importance of student
assessment on learning. However, not many studies
have been conducted on the methodology assessment in
a problem-based learning (PBL) approach as it has
continued to gain support from a number of educators
and teaching institutions. This study, therefore, is
to assess whether PBL pedagogical method in dental
education improves critical thinking skills (CTS) of
the students. The quantitative analysis was focused
on measuring students CTS achievement starting from
their first- through third-year of dental education
by utilizing a psychometric assessment known as the
Health Sciences Reasoning Test. The result of this
study should undertake one of the main goals of
higher education, which is to develop and to enhance
students CTS. Although this study specifically
investigated dental students, it should interest and
benefit educators in other health sciences. It is
expected that this study should also be useful to
education leaders or anyone else who may be
considering PBL method.

Autorentext
Dr. Bens Pardamean studied Educational Research and Leadership at University of Southern California, USA. His professional experiences include roles as a researcher, consultant, and lecturer. He is the founder of The InterSys Consulting, an international consulting firm in information technology, informatics research, and education.

Klappentext
Many educators and education leaders acknowledge as well as emphasize the importance of student assessment on learning. However, not many studies have been conducted on the methodology assessment in a problem-based learning (PBL) approach as it has continued to gain support from a number of educators and teaching institutions. This study, therefore, is to assess whether PBL pedagogical method in dental education improves critical thinking skills (CTS) of the students. The quantitative analysis was focused on measuring students' CTS achievement starting from their first- through third-year of dental education by utilizing a psychometric assessment known as the Health Sciences Reasoning Test. The result of this study should undertake one of the main goals of higher education, which is to develop and to enhance students' CTS. Although this study specifically investigated dental students, it should interest and benefit educators in other health sciences. It is expected that this study should also be useful to education leaders or anyone else who may be considering PBL method.