Project description:BackgroundPre-clerkship medical curriculums consist of a series of organ system-based courses and lectures but often lack an integration between organ systems. Such integration could be beneficial for clerkship years and students' future career. Hence, we aimed to share our process of organising an integrative teaching approach in a large class of pre-clerkship medical students and to reflect the students' perspective toward the teaching process in this observational study. In addition, we tested effectiveness of this integrative approach compared with the traditional teaching (lecture).MethodsWe organised a two-dimensional (2D)-integrative teaching for 309 students in selected topics of cardiovascular physiology of the medical curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. The first dimension of integration is the incorporation of physiology of other organ systems into the cardiovascular physiology class. The second is the integration of multiple teaching methods and strategies, including small group discussion, student presentation, wrap-up, quiz, and question-and-answer sessions. Unless opting out, students evaluated this integrative teaching by filling in a questionnaire. The summative scores were also used to determine their comprehensive understandings of the content.ResultsThe course evaluation showed that most students (81.9-91.2%) had positive attitudes toward all organised sessions, i.e. this teaching method helps promote their basic and applied physiology knowledge, critical thinking, information searching, presentation, and teamwork skills. In general, students at all performance levels attained higher scores in the summative exam for the 2D-integrative-class-relevant questions (74.4±16.1%) than for the lecture-pertinent questions (65.2±13.6%).ConclusionsIn a large class size of pre-clerkship students, 2D-integrative teaching strategies with careful planning and preparation can be successfully implemented, based on positive attitudes and relatively high summative scores of students in this study. Hence, this comprehensive teaching could be incorporated in current medical curriculums, particularly for the complex learning topics.
Project description:ObjectivesTo evaluate ESR eGUIDE-the European Society of Radiology (ESR) e-Learning tool for appropriate use of diagnostic imaging modalities-for learning purposes in different clinical scenarios.MethodsThis anonymized evaluation was performed after approval of ESR Education on Demand leadership. Forty clinical scenarios were developed in which at least one imaging modality was clinically most appropriate, and the scenarios were divided into sets 1 and 2. These sets were provided to medical students randomly assigned to group A or B to select the most appropriate imaging test for each scenario. Statistical comparisons were made within and across groups.ResultsOverall, 40 medical students participated, and 31 medical students (78%) answered both sets. The number of correctly chosen imaging methods per set in these 31 paired samples was significantly higher when answered with versus without use of ESR eGUIDE (13.7 ± 2.6 questions vs. 12.1 ± 3.2, p = 0.012). Among the students in group A, who first answered set 1 without ESR eGUIDE (11.1 ± 3.2), there was significant improvement when set 2 was answered with ESR eGUIDE (14.3 ± 2.5, p = 0.013). The number of correct answers in group B did not drop when set 2 was answered without ESR eGUIDE (12.4 ± 2.6) after having answered set 1 first with ESR eGUIDE (13.0 ± 2.7, p = 0.66).ConclusionThe clinical decision support tool ESR eGUIDE is suitable for training medical students in choosing the best radiological imaging modality in typical scenarios, and its use in teaching radiology can thus be recommended.Key points• ESR eGUIDE improved the number of appropriately selected imaging modalities among medical students. • This improvement was also seen in the group of students which first selected imaging tests without ESR eGUIDE. • In the student group which used ESR eGUIDE first, appropriate selection remained stable even without the teaching tool.
Project description:BackgroundFor health professionals, gamification is a new teaching method that has achieved an important role in recent years, with excellent results in learning and knowledge acquisition. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the gaming experience through different gamification resources in the classroom with physiotherapy students.MethodsA comparative study on gamification-based teaching resources was carried out during the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. A total of 33 physiotherapy students participated in this study. After the theoretical topics were taught, the participants were invited to participate in different gamification resources such as Kahoot!, Physiotherapy Party and Escape Room. The gaming experience with the different gamification resources was measured with the GAMEX scale.ResultsThe Physiotherapy Party showed a higher score in relation to the enjoyment dimension compared to the Kahoot! and Escape Room (p = 0.004). The Escape Room presented higher scores in absorption, creative thinking, activation and dominance compared to Kahoot! and Physiotherapy Party (p < 0.005).ConclusionsGamification resources promote enjoyment and creativity in the students in the classroom. The use of new teaching methods based on gamification, such as Escape Room as Physiotherapy Party should be considered as first choice in the use of gamification resources due to the benefits they bring to students.
Project description:IntroductionOphthalmology education is evolving with the use of new teaching approaches. Teaching based on gamification is one of the new developments in health professions education. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of gamification-based virtual reality on the learning outcome of students regarding the highly important topic of approach to eye trauma.Materials and methodsThis randomized educational intervention trial with a control group was conducted at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS). A total of 10 ophthalmology residents and 60 medical students were recruited in this study (each group comprised 5 residents and 30 medical students). Individuals were randomly divided into two teaching groups gamification method (intervention group) and lecture-based method (Control group). Data were collected through questionnaires and tests and analyzed by SPSS-26 software using descriptive and analytical statistics.ResultsResidents and medical students evaluated the usability of this method to be favorable (132.72 ± 10.17). In resident students (16.80 ± 2.58, 13.60 ± 1.14, P ≤ 0.05) and medicine students (17.27 ± 4.50, 15.20 ± 0.71, P ≤ 0.05), the mean score of learning outcome score in the intervention group was higher than the control group.ConclusionGamification-based teaching is an effective educational strategy that can be used as a complementary educational tool for teaching ophthalmology residents and medical students.
Project description:BackgroundElectronic medical records (EMRs) have been used for nearly three decades. Pharmacists use EMRs on a daily basis, but EMRs have only recently been incorporated into pharmacy education. Some pharmacy programs have implemented teaching electronic medical records (tEMRs), but best practices for incorporating tEMRs into pharmacy education remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to 1) assess pharmacy students' views and experiences with a tEMR; and 2) identify current learning activities and future priorities for tEMR use in pharmacy education.MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach, including three, two-hour student focus groups and a 42-item web-based survey to examine student perspectives of the tEMR. All first, second, and third year professional pharmacy students were eligible to participate in the survey and a focus group. Web-based survey items were measured on a 7-point Likert scale, and quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics. Two researchers independently coded transcripts using both deductive and inductive approaches to identify emergent themes. These analysts met and resolved any coding discrepancies via consensus.ResultsFocus groups were conducted with 22 total students, with 6-8 students represented from each year of pharmacy training. The survey was completed by 156 students: 47 first year, 55 second year, and 54 third year. Overall, 48.7% of survey respondents altogether agreed or strongly agreed that using the tEMR enhanced their learning in pharmacy classes and laboratories. Qualitative data were organized into four major themes regarding tEMR adoption: current priorities for use within the pharmacy curriculum; tEMR benefits; tEMR barriers; and future priorities for tEMR use to prepare students for pharmacy practice.ConclusionsThis study reveals pharmacy students' perspectives and attitudes towards using a tEMR, the types of classroom activities that incorporate the tEMR, and students' future suggestions to enhance the design or application of the tEMR for their learning. Our research findings may aid other pharmacy programs and promote more effective use of tEMRs in pharmacy education. In the long-term, this study may strengthen pharmacy education on EMRs and thus increase the efficacy and safety of pharmacists' EMR use for patients' medication management.
Project description:This study examined lecturers' teaching competencies at universities in the attempt to improve the teaching and learning process by considering students' perspectives. Specifically, the study examined indicators of lecturers' teaching competencies in universities as well as establishing whether there is a relationship between students' perceived lecturers' teaching competencies and students' demographic parameters. The study used a cross-sectional survey design to generate data from 422 undergraduate students from three public universities in Tanzania using a questionnaire. Means, standard deviations, percentages and the independent T-test were used to analyse data. Experts and peer reviews were carried out to determine the validity of the study. The study's reliability was assessed using Cronbach Alpha in which content competency = 0.889, pedagogical competency = 0.809, assessment and evaluation skills = 0.701, and technological competency = 0.777 show acceptance of theoretical constructs. From the findings, students perceived content, pedagogical, assessment and technological competencies are key indicators of lecturers' teaching competencies that improve the teaching and learning process. Based on demographic factors, there was no relationship among the four variables. These findings imply that university lecturers are required to possess and master the perceived competencies and see how best they connect these competencies to students' needs, beliefs and aspirations during their teaching processes. Thus, in designing their lesson, lecturers have to consider the four teaching competencies, which in turn may improve students' performance. The study recommends a policy guideline by the Tanzania Commission for Universities for academicians to undergo training on assessment, pedagogy and technology. This will help lecturers to develop a common understanding of the teaching competencies and maintain teaching quality. Furthermore, universities should mobilize their resources and set aside enough funds to buy ICT facilities so that lecturers can easily integrate technology into their teaching processes so as to meet the current demand for technological advancement.
Project description:IntroductionCreativity and improvisation are recognized as important aspects of training expertise in domains such as business and the arts, yet rarely discussed in medical education. This article examines how creativity and improvisation play out in the ways teachers give 'expressive instructions' to medical students when teaching physical skills.MethodsEthnographic fieldwork was conducted in a medical school in Maastricht, the Netherlands, with first, second and third year students learning physical examination skills. Over 230 h of fieldwork was conducted in the Skills Lab, including 34 tutorials of 1.5 h duration, with 11 different teachers and over 500 students. Patterns found in the fieldnotes were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach, drawing on sociological theories of craftsmanship.ResultsFindings showed that teachers improvise beyond the standardized lesson structure and classroom set-up, giving what we call, drawing on sociological theory, 'expressive instructions'. This was visible in two main ways: 1) by teachers using their own bodies; 2) by teachers using materials that came to hand.DiscussionThis research highlights the important yet underexplored role of creativity and improvisation in teaching physical skills. Creativity and improvisation appear to be particularly important when training expertise in skills that are difficult to articulate and thus require expressive instructions, due for example to their sensory nature. Focusing on how expressive instructions play out in medical education offers insights into the tacit components of expertise development, a process which builds upon a long period of teachers' skilled practice.
Project description:In recent times, characterized by the rapid advancement of science and technology, the educational system has continuously evolved. Within this modern educational landscape, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education has emerged as a prominent pedagogical paradigm, gaining substantial popularity in college-level instruction and capturing widespread societal attention. Notably, the cultivation of audio-visual aesthetic proficiency occupies a central role within this educational approach, prioritizing the enhancement of aesthetic sensibilities. By ingeniously amalgamating scientific knowledge with emotional expression, this research assumes a crucial facet in the holistic development of individuals. The research aims to explore the cultivation of students' audio-visual aesthetic abilities in university-level vocal music education by integrating deep learning and STEAM education principles. Drawing upon an extensive review of relevant literature, this research synthesizes the principles of STEAM education with those of deep learning, while considering the current cultural and societal context and the distinct realities faced by contemporary college students. Consequently, this research posits a novel conceptual framework for curriculum design and proposes a three-stage teaching process model. To substantiate the efficacy of this innovative educational model, an empirical investigation employing a questionnaire survey is conducted to assess its teaching effectiveness, confirming the marked superiority of this pioneering pedagogical approach. The results demonstrate that the new teaching model has led to notable enhancements in students' audio-visual aesthetic abilities, self-confidence in learning, and learning efficiency. Additionally, compared to traditional educational methods, the curriculum primarily, which focused on STEAM education with the project as its core, emphasizes the logic of the learning process and its connection with other disciplines. In conclusion, the three-stage educational model combining STEAM education and deep learning fully considers students' learning situations and utilizes the analytical capabilities of computers for educational purposes. This learner-centric approach significantly augments teaching efficiency and flexibility. Finally, the research concludes by summarizing its contributions and limitations, offering practical recommendations for the field. This research provides new insights and references for the practice and improvement of audio-visual aesthetic education in higher education institutions.
Project description:BackgroundMedical education in resource-constrained settings such as Pakistan faces significant challenges, including large class sizes, limited resources, and reliance on traditional teacher-centered pedagogies. These factors hinder effective learning and fail to equip students with the critical thinking and practical skills essential for modern medical practice. Educators play a fundamental role in shaping student experiences but often struggle to adopt student-centred methodologies due to insufficient training, resource limitations, and institutional constraints. This study aimed to explore medical educators' teaching approaches, their perceptions of their effectiveness, and the challenges they face in implementing modern pedagogical techniques.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted. First, the Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI) was administered to 130 medical and dental educators in Karachi, Pakistan (71% response rate, n = 93), assessing teacher-centered (Information Transmission/Teacher-Focused, ITTF) versus student-centered (Conceptual Change/Student-Focused, CCSF) approaches. Second, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 educators purposively selected from the initial sample. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and Mann-Whitney U tests. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify key themes.ResultsThe quantitative results demonstrated that educators often use a blended teaching approach. No significant gender differences were found in teaching experience or teacher-centric scores; however, female educators scored higher on the student-centric approach (p = 0.001). Qualitative analysis identified themes: (1) teachers as catalysts for student transformation, emphasising mentorship and practical learning; (2) curriculum challenges and the need for faculty development, highlighting dissatisfaction with outdated curricula and assessments focused on rote memorisation; and (3) teaching practices advocating for interactive methods and continuous assessment aligned with practical clinical skills. Educators expressed a desire for faculty development programs to support student-centered learning.ConclusionsMedical educators recognise the importance of student-centred approaches but face significant challenges due to institutional pressures, outdated curricula, and inadequate assessment methods. There is a critical need for curriculum reform, adoption of continuous formative assessments, and faculty development programs to enhance teaching effectiveness. Institutions should promote environments that value pedagogical excellence and support innovative teaching practices. Aligning educators' perceptions with actual teaching practices is essential to improve medical education and prepare students for professional practice.