An Interactive Feedback Model for Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Dental and Undergraduate Medical Science Education
Authors: Setterington Nicole A. , Woods Anita , McLean Sarah 
Published: May 2022

Introduction and Objective

As higher education institutions transitioned to fully online teaching and learning environments due to the Covid‐19 pandemic, the importance of effective pedagogical models was reinforced. This unexpected and abrupt change of curriculum delivery from previously well‐established educational programs has not been without challenges, and subsequently identified a need for improvements in online teaching and learning practices. In September of 2020, a group of dental students and motivated faculty at Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry came together in response to the pandemic and established an online feedback model (V1). This feedback model created the foundation for a Students as Partners program (SaP). SaP programs provide students and faculty the opportunity to foster academic partnerships and together be part of the teaching and learning process. This program allowed dentistry students to provide real‐time feedback on curricular content and delivery as teaching and learning shifted online. In order to evaluate the impact a real‐time feedback model has in enhancing teaching and learning, it is crucial to determine whether the feedback model closes the feedback loop. Closing the feedback loop is a systematic process where student feedback is shared with students and faculty, timely actions are taken to implement changes from the student voice, and the effectiveness of actioned improvements is monitored.

Materials and Methods

To assess if the V1 feedback system closes the feedback loop to enhance teaching and learning, we distributed Qualtrics surveys with 7‐point Likert scale statements and free‐text response questions to obtain student and faculty perspectives on their awareness, use, and perceived effectiveness of the V1 feedback system.

Results

After collecting pilot data from students and faculty on their perspectives of the V1feedback system, changes were made to the model of SaP and essential elements were re‐established. The student perspective reported that 73% (n=11) of students disagreed that they were well aware of the V1 feedback system and its intended use, 78% (n=10) disagreed that the V1 feedback system provided a solution for real‐time improvements, and 80% (n=5) disagreed that they were notified of changes being made to the feedback they provided. These results identified closing the feedback loop was not taking place in this V1 model.

Conclusion

Since increasing the awareness of the SaP program, an updated feedback system (V2) that closes the feedback loop to enhance teaching and learning in dental and undergraduate medical science education was developed and is being evaluated. Further analysis will determine if the V2 feedback system closes the feedback loop in a real‐time feedback model.

Significance

This research is intended to assist researchers in dental and undergraduate medical science education with a feedback model that elicits student voices while enhancing the teaching and learning experience.