Michael P Kelsch1, Amy B Werremeyer. 1. North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences, Fargo, ND 58108, USA. michael.kelsch@ndsu.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To implement and assess a current events project added to the curriculum of a pharmacotherapy course in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program. DESIGN: Third-year PharmD students researched a current event topic related to infectious diseases and prepared a written and verbal summary that was presented to their classmates. ASSESSMENT: Scores on course examinations and quizzes to assess students' knowledge of current events material were equal to or better than non-current events material. Based upon a student self-assessment survey, this active-learning activity increased students' awareness of current events related to pharmacy practice, and their understanding of the process to prepare and present information to a group in a statistically significant manner. There was a positive but not significant improvement in students' desire to prepare and present information to a group; ability to evaluate, organize, and present information in a written report; and ability to verbally present material to a group. CONCLUSION: The addition of a current events presentation as an active-learning activity significantly increased students' awareness of current events related to pharmacy practice and their understanding of the process to prepare and present information to a group.
OBJECTIVE: To implement and assess a current events project added to the curriculum of a pharmacotherapy course in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program. DESIGN: Third-year PharmD students researched a current event topic related to infectious diseases and prepared a written and verbal summary that was presented to their classmates. ASSESSMENT: Scores on course examinations and quizzes to assess students' knowledge of current events material were equal to or better than non-current events material. Based upon a student self-assessment survey, this active-learning activity increased students' awareness of current events related to pharmacy practice, and their understanding of the process to prepare and present information to a group in a statistically significant manner. There was a positive but not significant improvement in students' desire to prepare and present information to a group; ability to evaluate, organize, and present information in a written report; and ability to verbally present material to a group. CONCLUSION: The addition of a current events presentation as an active-learning activity significantly increased students' awareness of current events related to pharmacy practice and their understanding of the process to prepare and present information to a group.
Entities:
Keywords:
active learning; current events; peer teaching; pharmacotherapy