Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed Method
Background Informal learning resources can be considered supportive to formal learning resources in shaping future professional identity. This study aimed to assess dental students’ preferences towards using informal learning resources, to explore challenges impacting students’ choices and to find o...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SAGE Publishing
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205251366918 |
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| author | Maha Akkari Mayssoon Dashash Issam Jamous |
| author_facet | Maha Akkari Mayssoon Dashash Issam Jamous |
| author_sort | Maha Akkari |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background Informal learning resources can be considered supportive to formal learning resources in shaping future professional identity. This study aimed to assess dental students’ preferences towards using informal learning resources, to explore challenges impacting students’ choices and to find out the motivations for using these resources. Methods A mixed methods study design was conducted. A total of 1000 dental students completed a quantitative questionnaire data from different universities in Syria, and qualitative semi-structured interviews (15: postgraduate student and 30: undergraduate students) were fulfilled. Data were separately collected and analyzed. Results Peer learning scored a high level of engagement (undergraduates: 76.2%, postgraduates: 79.6%) as did the use of social media platforms (undergraduates: 79.4%, postgraduates: 80.6%). The challenges associated with utilizing open educational resources (undergraduates: 71.6%, postgraduates: 73.2%), social media platforms (undergraduates: 73.8%, postgraduates: 74.4%), and attending conferences and workshops (undergraduates: 75.4%, postgraduates: 76.2%) were rated at a high level. The undergraduate interview participants reported that lack of time was the most important limitation for using informal learning resources whereas online payment problem for open educational resources was basic challenge for postgraduate participants. Conclusions Reliance on informal learning resources is an efficient and vital tool for dental students. Faculty members can play an impact role in guiding students how effectively use of informal learning resources to enhance their educational experience. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b8e1435c83d9420f9bb58f145fcc223b |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2382-1205 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | SAGE Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development |
| spelling | doaj-art-b8e1435c83d9420f9bb58f145fcc223b2025-08-20T02:58:21ZengSAGE PublishingJournal of Medical Education and Curricular Development2382-12052025-08-011210.1177/23821205251366918Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed MethodMaha Akkari0Mayssoon Dashash1Issam Jamous2 Faculty of Dentistry, , Deir Atiyah, Syria Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, , Damascus, Syria Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, , Damascus, SyriaBackground Informal learning resources can be considered supportive to formal learning resources in shaping future professional identity. This study aimed to assess dental students’ preferences towards using informal learning resources, to explore challenges impacting students’ choices and to find out the motivations for using these resources. Methods A mixed methods study design was conducted. A total of 1000 dental students completed a quantitative questionnaire data from different universities in Syria, and qualitative semi-structured interviews (15: postgraduate student and 30: undergraduate students) were fulfilled. Data were separately collected and analyzed. Results Peer learning scored a high level of engagement (undergraduates: 76.2%, postgraduates: 79.6%) as did the use of social media platforms (undergraduates: 79.4%, postgraduates: 80.6%). The challenges associated with utilizing open educational resources (undergraduates: 71.6%, postgraduates: 73.2%), social media platforms (undergraduates: 73.8%, postgraduates: 74.4%), and attending conferences and workshops (undergraduates: 75.4%, postgraduates: 76.2%) were rated at a high level. The undergraduate interview participants reported that lack of time was the most important limitation for using informal learning resources whereas online payment problem for open educational resources was basic challenge for postgraduate participants. Conclusions Reliance on informal learning resources is an efficient and vital tool for dental students. Faculty members can play an impact role in guiding students how effectively use of informal learning resources to enhance their educational experience.https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205251366918 |
| spellingShingle | Maha Akkari Mayssoon Dashash Issam Jamous Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed Method Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development |
| title | Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed Method |
| title_full | Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed Method |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed Method |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed Method |
| title_short | Exploring the Informal Learning Resources Used by Dental Students: A Mixed Method |
| title_sort | exploring the informal learning resources used by dental students a mixed method |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205251366918 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mahaakkari exploringtheinformallearningresourcesusedbydentalstudentsamixedmethod AT mayssoondashash exploringtheinformallearningresourcesusedbydentalstudentsamixedmethod AT issamjamous exploringtheinformallearningresourcesusedbydentalstudentsamixedmethod |