Crossword puzzle: An effective self-learning modality for dental undergraduates

Purpose of the Study: Teaching/learning modalities modified with certain interactive and innovative learning modalities can make dental education interesting and fun-loving. Dental graduates are taught too many concepts/subjects in a very limited time period. This makes remembering and recollecting things difficult by the conventional monotonous methods of teaching. The purpose of conducting the study was to see the practicality and efficiency of using crossword puzzle as an alternative learning methodology for undergraduates and to assess the practicality and use of crossword puzzle solving as an alternative way to remember essential concepts and promote self-learning among dental undergraduates. Materials and Methods: Crossword puzzles were created online and content was validated by subject experts by compiling the clues and answers to essential objectives of the topic and the students were instructed to complete the puzzle solving in a specified time period. The students completed it in collaborative groups of 3–4. The first group who successfully complete the puzzle was reward. 30 min was allotted for 25–30 clues of crossword puzzle. Student perceptions toward crosswords for their learning were assessed with a survey questionnaire using 10 questions on a 5-point Likert scale and informal feedback. Results: Most students agreed that crossword puzzle solving was very effective and useful teaching/learning modality and it immensely contributed to active learning and improved remembering the topics and concepts better than the conventional teaching modalities. Conclusions: Exceptionally good response was obtained from undergraduates students to crossword puzzle technique as an effective teaching–learning modality in dental curriculum.