SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IN THE UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL CURRICULUM

An evaluation of self-directed learning (SDL) in the clinical curricul um was undertaken at the Dental School of the London Hospital Medical College in 1995. Surveys of staff and students produced evidence of va riation in viewpoint within and between groups concerning what the ter m means and how valuable a tool for learning it is. Lack of clarity of definition and purpose of SDL in General Dental Council guidance is h ighlighted and linked to the desirability of giving further considerat ion to SDL.