Generation of a teaching learning community for the development of autonomous work through the use of authentic learning in a Human Molecular Genetics course

Abstract

Authentic learning is a methodology that develops critical thinking instudents, allowing them to connect theoretical learning with real situations. Personal study activities, which contribute to autonomous work, turn out to be the key to internalize and mature knowledge, significantly improving learning reception. In this study, authentic learning was used in 363 Dentistry students in a Genetics course, through the development of activities relating theoretical contents with dental genetic diseases. 70% of the students indicated that the activities were easy to carry out and were in accordance with the theoretical contents, allowing them to better understand the concepts worked in class and improve their personal study times. In addition, 73% of the students were motivated by the course activities and 65% considered that the instruments to perform them were adequate. On the other hand, 33% of the students considered that participating or not in the activities had the same result in learning.