Optimizing dental students' use of feedback: Validation of a theoretical model.

Abstract

Purpose: A model describing the factors that influence the use of feedback by dental students from three UK dental schools has been proposed. Seven factors that influence feedback utilization were identified. This project aims to test the validity of this model in a larger student population from two UK dental schools in Newcastle upon Tyne and Cardiff.

Methods: An electronic questionnaire was created and circulated to two dental schools. Data from schools were combined and analyzed using SPSS software. A total of 304 responses were analyzed using principal component analysis resulting in the extraction of nine components which were identified as "most important." The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the correlations of these components with the demographic characteristics of participants.

Results: The nine components were feedback utility, feedback value, credibility, learning approach, the learner's understanding of the feedback's purpose, and its processes, accessibility, future applicability, and institutional processes. According to the Kruskal-Wallis analysis, seven of the components (but not credibility or institutional processes) were found to be influenced by differences in the gender, nationality, and ethnicity of students as well as their previous educational experience. However, no evidence was found that variables such as age, student year group, or religious beliefs affected any of these components.

Conclusion: Some demographic characteristics are more engaged with one or more components than others. Understanding that will help optimizing this model and ultimately benefits students and institutions. The main project's goal was met by the research in validating the previously developed model.