Small group discussion using Whatsapp as learning & evaluation tool for nutrition & dietetics students

Abstract

Small group discussion (SGD) using WhatsApp platform is a student-centred learning innovation to overcome the problems of lack of optimum preparation and participation by students when SGD is conducted in the classroom. Nutrition and dietetics undergraduate students (n=46) who enrolled for Multi-ethnic Cuisine & Etiquette course were given a task to conduct a group discussion on two topics using WhatsApp as part of their continuous assessment for this course. The instructor then evaluated group and individual participation and administered an online survey form to obtain students’ reflection on the task. Survey items consisted of six clusters and rated on a five-point Likert scale. The results showed that Participation cluster obtained the highest average score of 4.46±0.62, followed by Learning (4.16±0.73), Past Experience (4.14±1.05) Attraction (3.99±0.85), Implementation (3.96±0.90) and Emotion cluster (3.88±0.95). The results suggest that SGD using WhatsApp is a student-friendly, fun learning style and an easy evaluation tool for instructors to track individual participation and discussion content. SGD using WhatsApp diminishes the time required in the classroom conducting an ineffective discussion and inefficient evaluation by instructors. This innovation could be used as part of teaching and learning in many other courses to enhance students' learning experience and aid instructors in conducting a better evaluation.