Effects of Problem-Based Learning on the Problem-Solving Ability and Self-Efficacy of Students Majoring in Dental Hygiene

Jin-Sun Choi, Soo-Myoung Bae, Sun-Jung Shin, Bo-Mi Shin and Hyo-Jin Lee
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Jin-Sun Choi: Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea
Soo-Myoung Bae: Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea
Sun-Jung Shin: Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea
Bo-Mi Shin: Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea
Hyo-Jin Lee: Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-8

Abstract: This study developed a problem-based learning (PBL) module to improve integrated thinking and problem-solving ability in students of dental hygiene. After applying PBL, the study tested the improvement in the problem-solving ability and self-efficacy of students. The subjects were 31 fourth-year students of the Department of Dental Hygiene at G University. The PBL process was applied to three topics for 15 weeks, and the tools for evaluating problem-solving ability and self-efficacy were reconstructed and used before and after the application to examine the effects of the module. The result indicates that the mean of problem-solving ability (32 detailed items) increased from 3.37 to 3.65 (an increase of 0.28) after classes ( p < 0.001). Alternatively, the average for self-efficacy (22 detailed questions) increased from 0.21 to 2.89 ( p < 0.05; an increase of 2.67). The study also confirmed the correlation between problem-solving ability and the total posttest score for self-efficacy ( p < 0.001). Thus, the problem-solving ability and self-efficacy of learners were improved in the class to which PBL was applied. These improvements exerted a significant effect on the improvement of problem-solving ability. This finding confirmed the effect of the PBL method on dental hygiene education.

Keywords: dental hygiene; problem-based learning; problem-solving ability; self-efficacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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