Abstract

PALOMER, Leonor et al. A "service-learning" experience: promoting the development of values in Chilean dental students. FEM (Ed. impresa) [online]. 2013, vol.16, n.2, pp.91-96. ISSN 2014-9840.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S2014-98322013000200007.

Introduction. Universities face an important challenge in their aim to develop values in their students. On the other side, there are methodologies that promote, with an educational purpose, the interaction between students and different social actors. One of them is 'service-learning' (S+L). Aim. To describe the experience of incorporating the S+L methodology in a first-year course of the career of Dentistry at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and illustrate how this decision influenced the perception of students regarding the development of certain values. Subjects and methods. Sixty students from this course answered an anonymous seven-question survey where they evaluated the whole experience and the methodology, as well as the activities performed and how this course had affected their perception of specific attitudes and values. The qualitative comments collected by this questionnaire were also analyzed and systematized. Results. Students perceived and identified the mentioned values, as well as situations in which they were encouraged and appreciated the fact that during their education they were faced with real and concrete situations in which they could develop values and attitudes. Conclusion. Incorporating the S+L methodology and promoting opportunities for reflection can encourage the development of values in students of Dentistry, something they consider important for their future roles as dentists.

Keywords : Dentistry; Service-learning; Social values.

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