Abstract
The order of learning is considered essential for effective education, but few studies have compared and verified the order of learning strategies. This study examined the educational effect of using a different order of learning activities with pharmacy students. A class on disaster prevention divided the students into two groups and combined the Hinanzyo Unei Game (HUG), a disaster management game based on evacuation center simulations, with a lecture. Due to the learning environment’s constraints, one group experienced the HUG simulation before the lecture, and the other group completed the simulation after the lecture. Questionnaires on disaster prevention were conducted before and after the class. The results indicated that the group that experienced the HUG simulation first were more confident in their actions at the simulated disaster site and were willing to participate in disaster training during their senior year. In the lecture-first group, the students appeared to be more motivated in disaster support. Both strategies provided participants with an opportunity to develop awareness about disaster medicine and imagine a disaster area situation. This study was based on a single assessment, but the results suggest that educational strategy should be designed and taught in accordance with the learning objectives.
