Incorporating active-learning teaching techniques in midwifery education: Inventive ideas being employed at Shiga University of Medical Science

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Shoko Watada and Yumiko Tateoka

Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan

: J Womens Health, Issues Care

Abstract

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In recent years, with the aging of pregnant women in Japan, dealing with high risk delivery is increasing. Also, Japan is a country with many earthquakes, and the needs of midwife care at times of disasters are also high. Therefore, practical education is required for midwifery education. As an elective subject, the midwifery training course at Shiga University of Medical Science is provided to teach eight students a year as an elective subject in the integrated curriculum, including a practical-based educational program. Following the recommendations of the Central Education Council of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, we promote enhanced interactions between faculty and students in our midwifery training course. Lectures and exercises are based on media created by the teachers and evidence-based knowledge from obstetrics and midwifery studies. For example, we report three cases of educational practice using active learning conducted in perinatal pathology and midwifery diagnosis/technology, which are part of the midwifery curriculum. Case 1: pregnancy hypertensive syndrome and eclipse attack: strengthening the early detection of eclampsia precursor symptoms and midwifery practice and observation. Case 2: Midwifery management studies-Diagnosis of midwifery during a disaster: Elucidating midwifery management during a disaster. Case 3: Women’s health exercise-Sex education for high school students: Strengthening knowledge consolidation, the ability to capture the targets’ needs of the target and the ability to practice health guidance. Here, we present practical reports on how to apply the active learning technique during midwifery education, including students’ evaluations of the educational effects.

Biography

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Shoko Watada has completed her MS in the Department of Clinical Nursing at Shiga University of Medical Science, where she is presently conducting research as an Assistant Professor. She has worked in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and the Maternal Fetal Intensive Care Unit at Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital. She has expertise in mothers’ health improvement, providing care following perinatal loss, and in educating midwifery students.

E-mail: shokoron@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp