Can active learning methodologies help new students adapt to university routine?

• Grant number: 22/14201-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): February 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Klein Marcondes
• Grantee: Karina Reche Casale
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Upon entering higher education, the student experiences a period of adaptation and is expected to be motivated to learn, and to know how to organize himself to study. However, difficulties related to establishing a study routine, preparing for learning assessments, at a distance from the family, financial limitations and interpersonal relationships can generate stress and anxiety, compromising their well-being and academic performance. To promote student motivation, as well as meaningful learning, many institutions and faculty seek active learning strategies to complement or replace traditional lectures. Different authors have observed that active methodologies improve learning, increase student interest and engagement. And, in a recent study, we observed that they also contributed to the reduction of anxiety and stress before the test. Considering these findings, we intend to test the hypothesis that active methodologies could contribute to the adaptation of the incoming student to the university, helping to establish a study routine, increasing security about their learning and reducing stress induced by exams. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of active learning strategies on the level of stress and anxiety before learning assessments, and on the adaptation process of students entering the university. Students enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate health course will be invited to participate. Student learning will be assessed through cognitive gain. The assessment of test-induced stress levels will be performed by measuring salivary cortisol. Students' perception of the contribution of teaching methodologies to their adaptation and their anxiety levels before tests will be evaluated through questionnaires and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (IDATE), respectively.