ABSTRACT
Distance learning courses in veterinary epidemiology, taught in French and spread over half a year, were organized in 2003 and 2004. They were the subject of surveys concerning need, evaluation, attaining learning objectives, and satisfaction, the results of which will be used to improve the course scheduled to take place in 2005.
Subject(s)
Education, Distance/standards , Education, Veterinary/standards , Epidemiology/education , Surveys and Questionnaires , Africa , France , Humans , Language , Needs Assessment , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
A quantitative method for the informative evaluation of teaching activities was devised using a survey from 33 experts. It is based on an evaluation, by students and two peers, of the four steps of the instructional methodology: analysis of training needs, statement of learning objectives, delivery of teaching session, and testing of student performance. Faculty evaluation is optional, and results are strictly confidential. Results of a three-year trial of this protocol at the Alfort veterinary school are presented and discussed. Each year the method has been assessed and some changes have been implemented. It is now felt that evaluation questionnaires for lectures and tutorial sessions have been validated, while those for laboratories and clinical teaching have to be tested through a larger number of settings. A the same time, a change from informative to summative evaluation is under consideration.
