Future active-learning research should use randomised controlled designs with larger samples and standardised outcome measures¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review recommends that future research adopt more rigorous methodologies, including "randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes and standardised evaluation protocols", to clarify the effectiveness and long-term impact of active teaching methodologies in undergraduate dental education. It also recommends follow-up assessment to determine sustained impact, noting most included studies evaluated methods only before and after application.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Well-designed studies with standardised outcome measures, larger sample sizes, and long-term follow-up to establish sustained effectiveness

Constraints¶

• The review acknowledges the existing evidence base is insufficient to meet stringent quality criteria

Target Learners¶

• undergraduate dental students

Target Learning Goals¶

• knowledge retention
• learning efficacy

Claims¶

• Lack of long-term follow-up limits evidence on sustained effectiveness of active methodologies [+W]
• Active methodologies show no definitive superiority over traditional teaching in undergraduate dentistry [+W]

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Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• de Oliveira Carlota Rocha, da Silva Barboza Andressa, de Andrade Juliana Silva Ribeiro, Lund Rafael Guerra. (2026). Scoping Review on Active Teaching and Learning Methodologies in Dentistry. European Journal of Dental Education. https://doi.org/10.1111/eje.13109