Pharmacy students' opinions toward active learning in the didactic curriculum

ObjectivesThe study investigated the opinions of Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) pharmacy students toward active learning (AL) in the didactic curriculum.MethodsData were collected from ACP students using a self-administered questionnaire. Students rated their opinions on a five-point bipolar scale (1 = strongly disagree, and 5 = strongly agree).ResultsOne hundred eighty students (88%) completed the survey. About 23% of class time was devoted to AL. The mean quality score for AL was 5.80 ± 2.44 (scale: 1 = poor quality, 10 = highest quality). Students perceived AL favorably: AL was worthwhile/important (mean = 3.44 ± 1.04), not a waste of time (mean = 3.32 ± 1.18), and helped them to prepare for exams (mean = 3.42 ± 1.10). However, students thought that AL did not help them to become self-directed learners (mean = 2.90 ± 1.05).ConclusionsACP students have favorable opinions concerning AL in general. There is significant room to improve the amount of AL as well as the quality of AL at ACP for the betterment of student learning outcomes.