Improving Online Childbirth Education: A Role for Active Learning.

Weaver, Jennifer M.

Teaching online poses unique challenges for keeping participants engaged. To enhance the effectiveness of virtual childbirth education, this article explores how active learning techniques can guide the design of online prenatal classes. Active learning involves encouraging class participants to process and engage with ideas as the instructor presents them in class, rather than just hearing about concepts through lectures. This article draws from pedagogical literature on active learning and applies its key components to the needs of childbirth instructors in an online setting. Specific recommendations for activities to involve participants and create lasting learning are also provided for synchronous online classes.

LECTURE method in teaching; HEALTH occupations students; CHILDBIRTH education; TEACHING methods; LABOR (Obstetrics); PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; ONLINE education; LEARNING strategies; STUDENT attitudes; HUMAN comfort; COVID-19 pandemic

Journal of Perinatal Education, 2024, Vol 33, Issue 4, p212

1058-1243

Academic Journal

10.1891/JPE-2023-0020