A Faculty Toolkit for Formative Assessment in Pharmacy Education.

This paper aims to increase understanding and appreciation of formative assessment and its role in improving student outcomes and the instructional process, while educating faculty on formative techniques readily adaptable to various educational settings. Included are a definition of formative assessment and the distinction between formative and summative assessment. Various formative assessment strategies to evaluate student learning in classroom, laboratory, experiential, and interprofessional education settings are discussed. The role of reflective writing and portfolios, as well as the role of technology in formative assessment, are described. The paper also offers advice for formative assessment of faculty teaching. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the importance of creating a culture of assessment that embraces the concept of 360-degree assessment in both the development of a student's ability to demonstrate achievement of educational outcomes and a faculty member's ability to become an effective educator.

Mobile computing initiatives within pharmacy education.

OBJECTIVES: To identify mobile computing initiatives within pharmacy education, including how devices are obtained, supported, and utilized within the curriculum. METHODS: An 18-item questionnaire was developed and delivered to academic affairs deans (or closest equivalent) of 98 colleges and schools of pharmacy. RESULTS: Fifty-four colleges and schools completed the questionnaire for a 55% completion rate. Thirteen of those schools have implemented mobile computing requirements for students. Twenty schools reported they were likely to formally consider implementing a mobile computing initiative within 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous models of mobile computing initiatives exist in terms of device obtainment, technical support, infrastructure, and utilization within the curriculum. Responders identified flexibility in teaching and learning as the most positive aspect of the initiatives and computer-aided distraction as the most negative, Numerous factors should be taken into consideration when deciding if and how a mobile computing requirement should be implemented.

Creating and sustaining a culture of assessment.

Accreditation standards require that colleges and schools of pharmacy establish and conduct ongoing assessment of their programs. A case study of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy's experience developing and implementing an assessment program is described. A historical perspective of the School, implementation of an office of education, and steps taken to establish a college culture of assessment are discussed. Successful aspects of the program, including student course/instructor evaluations and curriculum committee review of individual courses, are outlined. Finally, roadblocks encountered while establishing the assessment program and lessons learned that may benefit other schools currently in the process of developing an assessment program are discussed.

Pharmacy student focus groups for formative evaluation of the learning environment.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a student focus group process for formative evaluation of the learning environment in a college of pharmacy. DESIGN: Student focus groups were formed and met from fall 2002 to spring 2006. During spring 2005, student cohorts (first- through third-professional years) were surveyed and anecdotal evidence about the process was gathered from faculty members. ASSESSMENT: Student opinions about the effectiveness of the focus groups were fairly positive, with 59% to 87% agreeing that the process allowed students to communicate effectively with faculty members. The main problems identified were lack of communication between focus group members and the student body, and the lack of response by some faculty members to student concerns. Based on anecdotal evidence, faculty members agreed that the process encouraged student development but was less useful for pedagogical issues. CONCLUSION: Focus groups can be an effective way of providing feedback to faculty members and students about the classroom learning environment if students are trained to give appropriate feedback and professors are supported in responding to student input.