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The "Discussion, Disagreement & Dialogue (3D)" approach is a preventive learning method for MBBS students that uses structured discussion and debate to foster critical thinking and move beyond personal opinions to a solution-based dialogue. It involves students engaging in a process of initial discussion, followed by structured disagreement to challenge ideas, and concluding with a dialogue that focuses on the best solution rather than personal victory. Studies show this method can lead to significant improvements in student understanding, communication, and satisfaction. 

How the 3D approach works

• Discussion: Students begin with a topic and discuss initial ideas or ideologies.
• Disagreement: This is the core of the method, where students are encouraged to challenge and counter-argue different viewpoints with evidence. The goal is to critically evaluate and refine ideas rather than win an argument.
• Dialogue: After the disagreement phase, students engage in a more collaborative dialogue to synthesize the different perspectives and evidence, arriving at a more informed and agreed-upon solution. 

Key features and benefits

• Focus on "what is right": The emphasis is on finding the most logical and evidence-based solution, not on being right personally.
• Teacher as facilitator: The teacher's role is to guide the session, manage the dialogue, and ensure the information shared is accurate. They do not act as a lecturer, according to ResearchGate.
• Student engagement: The format encourages active participation, making learning more interesting and satisfying for students.
• Improved outcomes: Studies show this method leads to a statistically significant increase in students' knowledge, understanding, and communication skills compared to traditional one-way communication methods.
• Preventive learning: By actively engaging with different viewpoints, students learn to approach problems in a more objective and less confrontational manner, which is crucial for patient safety in medicine.