A comparison of personality characteristics of persistent low- and high-achieving pharmacy students showed high achievement associated with a planned, orderly life style and introversion. Contrary to previous findings in college, medical and law school, practical and fact-oriented pharmacy students achieved as well as those valuing imagination,…

The development, reliability, and validity of a practical examination to evaluate student attainment of course objectives in an externship program are described. Examination content was determined by surveying preceptors and suggestions from practicing pharmacists; the reliability was assessed by interrater agreement and internal consistency…

Pharmacy students' and practicing pharmacists' knowledge of the mechanisms, safety, and effectiveness of various methods of birth control were assessed. The results indicate that both groups are informed about effectiveness but are less knowledgeable about safety and use. The need for further education is suggested. (JMD)

Numerous explanations have been offered to explain the ubiquity and enduring nature of academic dishonesty in post-secondary education and professional programs, including dissatisfaction with curricula, disengagement from academic institutions, and poor admissions criteria for students. A pilot study in Canadian pharmacy education was undertaken…

Analysis of data indicates that student-centered, as opposed to institution-centered or program-centered, attributes have a greater impact on the student's decision-making process when selecting a pharmacy school. Significant differences in attribute influence based on demographic variables are presented. (Author/MLW)

A multivariate model of the influence of attributes and demographics on the selection of degree program and type of institution was assessed. Factor analysis of mean influence scores yielded a set of 12 factors that explained 21% of the sample variance. (Author/MLW)

Two approaches for teaching a student how to define a problem, acquire pertinent data, generate possible solutions, and optimize them for the patient are described: guided design, originating in engineering education; and problem-based learning, which has roots in medical education. (Author/MLW)

In 1984 the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy recommended that each college of pharmacy have curricular and training structures that provide for the education of "differentiated pharmacists." The University of Arizona examined whether the proposed options of clinical, management, and research would appeal to three different…

A study to determine if there are any relationships between the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory personality preferences and academic performance in schools of pharmacy is discussed. Differences in academic performance that could be related to gender are reported. (Author/MLW)

General information on pharmacy education according to specific admission requirements, selection factors, and educational cost are provided for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each school reported on the following areas: general information about its pharmacy program, curriculum, requirements for admission, selection factors, advanced…

Two-way interactive television established a link between students and faculty at the University of Texas at Austin and the San Antonio Health Science Center. A survey indicated that graduates (N=225) were satisfied with television instruction and were positive about instruction from faculty with expertise that were located at other institutions.…

The intent of an integrating laboratory was to help pharmacy students learn to solve problems, make decisions, and develop good communication skills. Educational units included exercises in guided design, patient profile review, patient inquiries, extemporaneous prescription compounding, clinical literature evaluation, and videotapes of simulated…

The career goal differences between the Mexican-American and Caucasian pharmacy students at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy were studied. The importance of tracking the practice patterns of female Mexican-American pharmacists is described. Identification of factors influencing minority pharmacy student career decisions is encouraged.…

An instrument developed to measure pharmacy student work values revealed 11 reliable factors: quality patient care; supervision and company policy; work creativity/variety; status; management/leadership; economic return; work schedule; family responsibilities; job security; co-worker relationships; and policies and procedures. There were…

The study examined the extent of alcohol and illicit drug use by pharmacy students (N=1440) in eight schools of pharmacy in the southeastern United States. Reported drug use was low, but almost 70 percent of students perceived a need for substance abuse and awareness programs. (Author/MLW)