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. 2009 Nov 12;73(7):132.
doi: 10.5688/aj7307132.

Using cooperative learning for a drug information assignment

Grace L Earl  1
Affiliations

Using cooperative learning for a drug information assignment

Grace L Earl. Am J Pharm Educ. .

Abstract

Objectives: To implement a cooperative learning activity to engage students in analyzing tertiary drug information resources in a literature evaluation course.

Design: The class was divided into 4 sections to form expert groups and each group researched a different set of references using the jigsaw technique. Each member of each expert group was reassigned to a jigsaw group so that each new group was composed of 4 students from 4 different expert groups. The jigsaw groups met to discuss search strategies and rate the usefulness of the references. In addition to group-based learning, teaching methods included students' writing an independent research paper to enhance their abilities to search and analyze drug information resources.

Assessment: The assignment and final course grades improved after implementation of the activity. Students agreed that class discussions were a useful learning experience and 75% (77/102) said they would use the drug information references for other courses.

Conclusion: The jigsaw technique was successful in engaging students in cooperative learning to improve critical thinking skills regarding drug information.

Keywords: active teaching; cooperative learning; drug information; jigsaw technique.

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Jigsaw Technique.
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References

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