Active Learning through a Debate Series in a First-Year Pharmacy Self-Care Course

To evaluate the usefulness of formal debates in the pharmacy classroom as a way to learn course material and as a tool for developing competency in essential skills including critical thinking, communication, public speaking, research methods, and teamwork. Debates were incorporated into a self-care...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAmerican journal of pharmaceutical education Vol. 79; no. 2; p. 1
Main Authors Lampkin, Stacie J, Collins, Christine, Danison, Ryan, Lewis, Michelle
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Alexandria Elsevier Limited 10.02.2015
Subjects
Academic Achievement
Active Learning
Classrooms
Communication (Thought Transfer)
Controversial Issues (Course Content)
Course Content
Critical Thinking
Debates
Drug stores
Educational Facilities Improvement
Educational Objectives
Guidelines
Health education
Instructional Design
Learning
Lecture Method
Measurement Techniques
Methods
Military personnel
Outcomes of Education
Perceptions
Pharmaceutical Education
Pharmacists
Pharmacy
Public Speaking
Reporting requirements
Research methodology
Self Evaluation (Individuals)
Skills
Statistical Analysis
Student Attitudes
Teamwork
Thinking Skills
Womens health
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Summary:To evaluate the usefulness of formal debates in the pharmacy classroom as a way to learn course material and as a tool for developing competency in essential skills including critical thinking, communication, public speaking, research methods, and teamwork. Debates were incorporated into a self-care course, where students were assigned different debate topics focused on controversial issues. Quantitative analysis was completed to assess debate style learning, knowledge about the subjects presented, and the impact on necessary skills. Quizzes given before and after debates showed up to a 36% improvement in grades and up to a 31% change in opinions on the topic. Students assessed themselves as more competent in the skill sets at the completion of the debate series. Incorporation of debates into didactic style courses offers students an opportunity to improve upon skills that will help them succeed as pharmacists.
ISSN:0002-9459
1553-6467