Introduction
Clinical argumentation is a fundamental competence in medical education, fostering critical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making in complex scenarios. However, educational strategies often prioritize practical and instrumental approaches, neglecting the integration of advanced cognitive competencies. This study examines how semantic density, as conceptualized in the Legitimation Code Theory, and the use of multimodal resources contribute to developing argumentative skills in health sciences.
Methods
Using a qualitative-comprehensive approach, a case study was conducted with five faculty members from the Adult Medicine department at the Technological University of Pereira. Data collection included class recordings, semantic analyses, questionnaires, and rubrics to evaluate teaching and argumentative strategies. A Specific Translation Device was employed to analyze semantic density, and data were processed using NVivo software.
Results
The analysis revealed that semantic density is enhanced through the intentional use of multimodal resources such as gestures, graphics, and visual language, enabling the integration of complex concepts. The analysis of semantic waves demonstrated a progression in conceptual complexity and argumentative stability, highlighting the positive results of the training process on teachers' and students' ability to construct dense and coherent discourses.
Conclusion
The combination of Legitimation Code Theory with a multimodal approach provides an effective framework for evaluating and fostering clinical argumentation in medical education. This methodology strengthens students' cognitive, critical, and argumentative skills, equipping them to address the ethical, social, and clinical challenges of professional practice.