Is blended learning and problem-based learning course design suited to develop future public health leaders? An explorative European study

Könings, Karen D., de Jong, Nynke, Lohrmann, Christa, Sumskas, Linas, Smith, Tony, O'Connor, Stephen J., Spanjers, Ingrid A.E., Van Merriënboer, Jeroen J.G. and Czabanowska, Katarzyna (2018) Is blended learning and problem-based learning course design suited to develop future public health leaders? An explorative European study. Public Health Reviews, 39 (1). ISSN 0301-0422

Preview

PDF (Published_Version) - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (430kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Public health leaders are confronted with complex problems, and developing effective leadership competencies is essential. The teaching of leadership is still not common in public health training programs around the world. A reconceptualization of professional training is needed and can benefit from innovative educational approaches. Our aim was to explore learners' perceptions of the effectiveness and appeal of a public health leadership course using problembased, blended learning methods that used virtual learning environment technologies. Case presentation: In this cross-sectional evaluative study, the Self-Assessment Instrument of Competencies for Public Health Leaders was administered before and after an online, blended-learning, problem-based (PBL) leadership course. An evaluation questionnaire was also used to measure perceptions of blended learning, problem-based learning, and tutor functioning among 19 public health professionals from The Netherlands (n = 8), Lithuania (n = 5), and Austria (n = 6). Participants showed overall satisfaction and knowledge gains related to public health leadership competencies in six of eight measured areas, especially Political Leadership and Systems Thinking. Some perceptions of blended learning and PBL varied between the institutions. This might have been caused by lack of experience of the educational approaches, differing professional backgrounds, inexperience of communicating in the online setting, and different expectations towards the course. Conclusions: Blended, problem-based learning might be an effective way to develop leadership competencies among public health professionals in international and interdisciplinary context.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	blended learning,competency self-assessment,evaluation,leadership,problem-based learning,public health,community and home care,public health, environmental and occupational health,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2900/2905
Related URLs:	http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2020 00:04
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2022 06:38
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/76547
DOI:	10.1186/s40985-018-0090-y

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item