A triangulated approach to the assessment of teaching in childhood epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive methodology is needed to assess student teaching. The present study employed a triangulated approach evaluating participant perceptions of learning, critical reflection by the lecturer and peer observation to measure confidence, interest and usefulness of the subject matter. METHODS: Using an interactive lecturing style, seven teaching sessions were delivered to medical students and junior doctors. Rating scales, open-ended questions and focus group discussions evaluated participant perceptions. Critical reflections and observations were made by the lecturer and independent learning consultants. RESULTS: Seventy per cent of participants rated the lecture on the highest scale for usefulness and interest. There was a significant post-lecture increase in clinical confidence in seizure identification (p < 0.0005). Open-ended questions showed that videos were most useful (81/149) and interesting (109/149), and that the presentation of the syndromal classification provided a useful approach (114/149). Focus group discussion, lecturer and peer observation cross-validated these findings and highlighted the importance of expert commentary to the videos and the clinical relevance of material.

Salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone in relation to puberty and gender.

This study investigates basal levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and their relation to gender and pubertal development, in healthy children and adolescents. Salivary cortisol and DHEA levels were examined in 129 normally developing subjects aged eight to 16 years. Subjects provided morning (08:00 h) and evening (20:00 h) saliva samples over four consecutive days. Pubertal stage was assessed using Tanner stage sketches, and subjects were grouped according to their general status of pubertal development (pre-early puberty: Tanner stageII). Results showed that morning salivary cortisol in mid-postpubertal girls was greater than in mid-postpubertal boys, but not pre-early pubertal girls and boys. Mean levels of salivary DHEA were greater in mid-postpubertal boys and girls than in pre-early pubertal boys and girls. Changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function that occur during puberty may have implications for immediate and long-term adolescent health.