Characterization of the teaching-learning process of pharmacology in the major of dentistry in Las Tunas

Abstract

Background: identifying achievements and difficulties in the teaching-learning process of pharmacology contributes to the continual improvement of the curricula.

Objective: to characterize the treatment of the pharmacological content in the teaching-learning process of pharmacology in the major of dentistry at the “Dr. Zoilo Enrique Marinello Vidaurreta” Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences of Las Tunas.

Methods: a descriptive study was carried out during the academic year 2019-2020 in the second year of the major and institution stated in the objective. Methodological and teaching documents, minutes of the teaching staff meetings, promotion reports and 22 final exams were reviewed. Lesson observation was carried out and a survey was conducted with 20 teachers of the subject and 22 students. The students also participated in a group interview. Dimensions and indicators were established to which a value scale was applied.

Results: in the process observation there was predominance of the traditional method, with an insufficient use of teaching-learning interactive forms. The students admitted to reach the subject of pharmacology without having enough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, necessary to understand receptor theory and action mechanisms of medications. These contents showed mistakes in the final exams. The three dimensions –treatment of the knowledge system, development of pharmacological skills and axiological-motivational training, showed low indicators.

Conclusions: the treatment of the pharmacological knowledge in the major of dentistry at the University of Medical Sciences of Las Tunas was characterized.