A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SIMULATION-BASED LEARNING VERSUS TRADITIONAL TEACHING METHODS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY

Аннотация

The complexity of epidemiological concepts, such as outbreak investigation and disease modeling, presents significant challenges for traditional pedagogical approaches. Recent global health crises have underscored the urgent need for practitioners equipped with robust practical skills. This study provides a rigorous comparative analysis of the effectiveness of simulation-based learning (SBL) against traditional lecture-based methods in teaching core epidemiological principles. The research aims to quantify and contextualize the impact of SBL on knowledge retention, the application of practical skills in complex scenarios, and overall student engagement. Key findings indicate that while both methods improve foundational knowledge, SBL is significantly superior in fostering the critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for real-world practice. By evaluating these outcomes, this paper argues for the strategic integration of advanced simulation tools into modern medical and public health curricula to better prepare future professionals for the dynamic challenges of global health security. Keywords: Simulation-Based Learning (SBL), Epidemiology Education, Public Health Pedagogy, Medical Education, Outbreak Investigation, Experiential Learning, Comparative Educational Effectiveness, Traditional Teaching.