Effects of active engagement and spaced retrieval practice on knowledge and application of a self‐assessment rubric

Purpose/Objectives This study examined effects of active engagement (ENG) and spaced retrieval practice (SRP) on D1 dental students’ self‐assessment knowledge acquisition. Methods D1 dental students (N = 120) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions in a 2 (ENG or no ENG) X 2 (SRP or no SRP) design. Students were tested on their knowledge of a self‐assessment grading rubric (on a 30‐item multiple‐choice exam) and their ability to apply the rubric (on a simulated dentoform assessment). Results There were significant main effects of both ENG and SRP on both outcome measures. Both ENG and SRP increased students’ knowledge of, and ability to apply, the self‐assessment rubric. Effects of ENG were larger than those of SRP. There was also a significant ENG X SRP interaction on the knowledge measure. The effect of SRP was larger in the no‐ENG conditions than the ENG conditions, which may reflect a ceiling effect in the ENG conditions. Conclusions ENG and SRP have the potential to substantially enhance D1 dental students’ learning outcomes. These results should motivate dental educators to reject outdated instructional techniques and thereby unleash students’ full learning potential. Additional research is needed with a wider range of dental students and learner topics.