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Using debate to educate young people in schools about antibiotic use and resistance: A before and after evaluation using a questionnaire survey

Young, Vicki L; Berry, Mark; Verlander, Neville; Ridgway, Andy; McNulty, Cliodna

Authors

Vicki L Young

Mark Berry

Neville Verlander

Profile image of Andy Ridgway

Andy Ridgway Andy.Ridgway@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Director (Environment, Conservation & Science Communication)

Cliodna McNulty



Abstract

Introduction: The use of debating as an educational tool is increasing in popularity. Students who take part in debates can develop a range of skills such as confidence and communication as well as gaining a greater understanding of the topic discussed. Within this study we have evaluated an antibiotic-resistant debate kit, assessing the ability of the debate lesson to improve student knowledge and awareness around antibiotics. Methods: The debate lesson was delivered in seven schools across South West England to 235 students aged 13-16 years. Change in student knowledge was measured using before and after knowledge questionnaires. Student and teacher feedback and suggestions for improvements for the lesson were also collected through questionnaires and interviews. Results: Quantitative questionnaires found a significant improvement in knowledge for most areas covered in the debate, particularly around the use of antibiotics to treat colds and bacteria developing resistance. Teachers felt their students engaged well with the debate session and made suggestions for minor modifications that could improve the lesson. Conclusions: The results suggest that the e-Bug antibiotic resistant debate kit is able to improve knowledge in young people around antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the lesson was enjoyed by students and therefore this resource should be promoted more widely to teachers and schools.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 7, 2019
Online Publication Date Jul 18, 2019
Publication Date Nov 1, 2019
Deposit Date Jun 10, 2019
Publicly Available Date Jun 10, 2019
Journal Journal of Infection Prevention
Print ISSN 1757-1774
Electronic ISSN 1757-1782
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 20
Issue 6
Pages 281-288
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1757177419862039
Keywords antibiotics, debate, science communication, STEM education
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1493065
Contract Date Jun 10, 2019

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