Achieving curricular themes through learner-centered teaching.

This paper focuses on the use of the four specific learner-centered teaching approaches: service-learning, learning through discussion, team-based learning, and a structured research course sequence in an occupational therapy curriculum. These methods are used to develop the four curriculum themes of engagement, critical thinking, innovations in practice, and clinical reasoning. The outcome of these approaches has been that students have taken more responsibility for their learning and shown increased maturity while promoting faculty creativity. Additionally, students have developed skills and interests in social and community engagement, and have sought jobs in community-based practice areas.

Why self-directed learning is not learned and practiced in veterinary education.

Veterinary education as it is frequently implemented creates numerous impediments for the majority of students to achieve self-directed learning. Self-directed learning is a state in which the student is prepared to engage in learning activities defined by him- or herself. Essential components of veterinary education (i.e., curriculum and assessment) inhibit the development of self-directed learning in many ways. This article will make suggestions on how we can promote self-directed learning within traditional veterinary education and discuss how teaching based upon the principles of problem-based learning (PBL) may foster self-directed learning.

Multidimensional outcome considerations in assessing the efficacy of medical educational programs.

BACKGROUND: To be accredited, schools must evaluate the effectiveness of their programs. Educators are looking for specific indicators beyond the traditional measures. Data from multiple methods, including indicators of student performance and of the institutional environment, can be used to determine if educational program goals are met. SUMMARY: This article outlines specific ways to consider three types of efficacy outcomes that are consistent with accreditation guidelines: educational, clinical career, and environmental outcomes. Specific measurable outcomes for each of these categories are derived from higher education literature: for example, learning approaches and information acquisition for education; professional behaviors and interpersonal dimensions for clinical career, and scholarship of teaching and teaching itself as a shared and valued activity for environmental outcomes. These outcomes address student assessment and program evaluation. Data from problem-based learning programs illustrate these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Educators can determine if educational program innovations have met their goals by collecting efficacy outcome data.