The World Café method and spaces dedicated to active teaching & learning: A dynamic combo that motivates students for biosciences learning

ABSTRACTA pilot experiment was developed in a Biomedical Sciences curricular unit to test how using a different knowledge-sharing method (World Café) in a Space for Active Learning and Teaching would affect students’ engagement. Each working group was asked to prepare a poster summarising a different topic about the physiology of the oocyte. On the activity day, rotating discussion sessions moderated by tutors took place, with groups answering different questions to deepen their knowledge. Students appreciated the dynamic and supportive environment that reduced anxiety while fostering knowledge-sharing. They also mentioned they prefer this method to traditional lectures and credited modern facilities for increasing their motivation to learn. We recommend the World Café method for improving collaborative work skills and learning in biomedical education. This study also highlights the need for institutions to provide up-to-date infrastructures, as this appears to have a direct impact on students’ engagement.KEYWORDS: World Cafépedagogical strategiesactiveteaching-learningstudents’ engagementlearning spacesbiomedical sciences AcknowledgmentsThe authors thank the University of Aveiro for the attribution of a prize for this pedagogical project within the scope of the contest “Incentive to pedagogical innovation projects – 2022 Edition”. The authors also thank the Biomedical Sciences Degree students who actively participated in this pedagogical experience, incorporating their opinions, and learning the contents. Thanks are due to Project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020 & LA/P/0006/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC (PIDDAC).Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Data availability statementDatasets that support the findings of our work are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.Supplementary materialSupplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2023.2259384Additional informationFundingThe work was supported by the University of Aveiro, within the scope of the contest ”Incentive to pedagogical innovation projects – 2022 Edition.Notes on contributorsPatrícia Pinto-PinhoPatrícia Pinho-Pinho is a PhD student specializing in biomedical sciences and reproductive technologies. She has been serving as a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) tutor at the University of Aveiro (UA) since September 2022, concurrently contributing to 2 educational innovation projects funded by UA.Ana FerreiraAna Ferreira holds a degree in biomedical sciences and a master in biochemistry both from University of Aveiro (UA). Besides her previous experience in laboratory research, currently she works as a medical writer for a Portuguese Clinical Research Organization.Bárbara MatosBárbara Matos received a BSc in Biotechnology (2016) and an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry (2018) from the University of Aveiro (UA), Portugal. Currently, she is a PhD student at UA and the main goal of her project is to develop a novel approach for the treatment of prostate cancer.Joana SantiagoJoana Santiago holds a master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology (University of Aveiro, Portugal) and is currently a PhD candidate in Biomedicine. Her research interests comprise human reproduction and male fertility, and her research focus on the recognition of potential biomarkers of sperm quality decline and poor fertility.Magda Carvalho HenriquesMagda C. Henriques with a BSc and Msc degree in Biochemistry, is currently developing her PhD in Biology focusing on lifestyle, exposure to environmental pollutants and human reproductive health. In total, Magda is author of 9 papers, 1 book chapter, engaged in pedagogical activities, and contributed to scientific events organization.Pedro Oliveira CordaPedro Oliveira Corda is a PhD student at the University of Aveiro (Portugal). Besides his scientific interests, Pedro has been involved in tutoring undergraduate students in Biomedical Sciences in classes taught through the Problem-Based Learning (PLB) method. Also, he has been enrolled in the implementation of other innovative learning methods.Tânia LimaTânia Lima is a biochemist with a PhD in Biomedicine. During her PhD she was very interested in identifying new urinary biomarkers for a non-invasive detection of prostate-cancer. Tânia is keen on public health topics, proteomics, cancer, and bioinformatics.Mário RodriguesMário Rodrigues holds a degree in Information and Communication Technology from the University of Aveiro (UA), a master’s degree in Audiovisual Communication from the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from UA. Mário is the Human Movement Laboratory’s technical supervisor of the School of Health Sciences of UA.Maria de Lourdes PereiraMaria de Lourdes Pereira.PhD in Biology, Associate Professor with Habilitation, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro; 41 years of experience in cell biology; Award Dr. Matthew A. Eichler Memorial Research Fellow 2022.Margarida FardilhaMargarida Fardilha is Assistant Professor at University of Aveiro (UA), Department of Medical Sciences (DMS). Member of the UA’s Support Team for Pedagogical Curricular Innovation and DMS’s Committee for Pedagogical innovation and quality. Invested in innovative teaching-learning, particularly Problem Based Learning (PBL). Organized and participated in educational conferences/courses for PBL tutors.