Describes a dental teaching strategy that promotes acquisition of psychomotor skills through use of metacognition and problem-solving. In five steps, questions are asked to guide the learner through a sequence of discriminations leading to recognition of problems and solutions. Clearly defined criteria in a sequence reflecting procedure are…

A patient instructor (PI) program to improve dental students' data-gathering and interpersonal skills had each third-year student in 2 consecutive classes (n=60, n=72) interview 4 patient instructors during a rotation. Each PI portrayed one of six scenarios, assessed students on content knowledge and clinical and interview skills, and provided…

In an interview, the incoming president of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), Thomas L. Lewis, discusses his goals for the association, the challenges facing optometric education in the next decade, cooperation between ASCO and other professional organizations in optometry, his mentors in the profession, his focus as a…

Small-group, self-directed, problem-based learning can be conducted with or without a faculty tutor. Groups without a tutor are trained to manage problem solving, change, group process, critical thinking, and independent learning skills. Processing issues are very different for tutorless and tutored groups; some issues are experienced by both.…

A study investigated use of homework assignments in lieu of course examinations in a pharmacy course on over-the-counter drugs. Teachers read homework and commented on it without grading, and students predicted their grades based on the comments; an overall feedback sheet was also provided to students. Students felt this a good alternative to…

A University of Georgia pharmacy school survey of 230 preceptors and 73 externs investigated students' competence and confidence. Results indicated areas of weakness in communication skills and therapeutic knowledge and revealed that externs lacked confidence in hospital and clinical practice. Results are being used in curriculum development.…

Development and evaluation of a problem-based, student-centered (PBSC) curriculum, to be implemented as a pharmacy externship component, are described. Comparison of performance of 26 PBSC program and 19 control group students found the PBSC students scored significantly higher on knowledge and problem-solving portions of the exam. Students and…

A discussion of effective training for health professionals proposes that selection of strategy be guided by knowledge needed by the graduating student; skills to be mastered; teaching methods effective for achieving these two objectives; and whether the desired knowledge, skills, and attitudes are reflected in assessment methods and outcomes…

Entry-level skills needed of optometrists, as of allied health occupations practitioners, include thinking skills, communication skills, sensitivity to personal and professional values and ethics, awareness of self and individual social responsibility, lifelong learning skills and habits, interpersonal and group competence, and management…

The first attempt at optometric education in the Middle East, a program developed at King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), is described. The university's second class of optometrists is being trained in the College of Applied Medical Sciences. Professional identity, limited faculty, and development of resources have been problems. (MSE)

Describes an assessment strategy used by pharmacy faculty to grade student writing in a large-class, lecture-based course, outlining the steps the instructors took to recast an existing writing assignment so that it is carefully constructed and articulated, can be assessed quickly and consistently by multiple assessors (self, peer, instructor),…

Outlines the functional standards for didactic and clinical optometric education adopted by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, including specific abilities in the areas of: observation; communication; sensory and motor coordination; intellectual-conceptual, integrative, and quantitative skills; and behavioral and social…

In two Oakland (California) high schools, one urban and one suburban, an audiovisual presentation designed to enhance student interest in optometry as a career was given. Results of the presentation, measured by a questionnaire, suggest that few high school students are considering pursuing an optometry doctoral degree, but an on-site presentation…

Common complaints about physicians are that they don't care enough about patients, don't know enough to practice the best medicine, and don't do enough to maintain the public's trust. The best way for graduate medical education (GME) to address these complaints is to improve the educational content of residency programs. (MSE)

A study investigated the clinical preparedness of 144 Stanford University (California) medical school graduates in 11 areas, comparing it with peers from graded medical schools and rating the accuracy of the dean's letter in representing graduates' capabilities. Results indicate that graduates from Stanford's two-interval, pass/fail system…