Can the use of hybrid active methodology increase learning about blood pressure control and reduce test stress and anxiety?

• Grant number: 22/12023-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Klein Marcondes
• Grantee: Isabella Carneiro da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Academic stress involves, among other factors, test anxiety, which may be related to the students' insecurity about what They have actually learned. This situation can be improved by reflecting on the teaching and assessment methods used in undergraduate courses. Teaching strategies that promote meaningful learning could help reduce assessment-induced anxiety and stress. In previous studies, we observed that educational games combined with formative assessments increased the learning of students in courses in the health area on topics of Human Physiology. And, during remote teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching strategies were considered useful for learning, according to students' perception. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that the use of active methodologies, by increasing learning, could reduce students' anxiety and stress before academic assessment. Assessments of learning about Blood Pressure Control will be carried out after traditional face-to-face teaching (theoretical classes) and after teaching through hybrid active methodology. To assess learning, tests with multiple choice questions and open questions will be applied. To assess the level of stress, saliva samples will be collected from students, before each learning assessment is carried out, for later measurement of alpha-amylase. To assess the level of anxiety, the Trait-State Anxiety Inventory will be applied immediately after saliva collection.