A problem-based predoctoral dental implantology course at the University of Texas had small tutorial groups solve specific patient problems through discussion, individual research, clinical experience, and subsequent sharing of knowledge. Student reactions were enthusiastically positive and their performance exceeded faculty expectations.…

A program in which first-year pharmacy students "shadowed" fourth-year students in clerkships for a day found the shadowing experienced did not significantly improve students' ability to master course objectives, but the introduction of younger students to practice areas of pharmacy was seen as very beneficial. (Author/MSE)

A study followed 66 medical students from matriculation through clerkship to determine the use of an anxiety measure, undergraduate grades, and Medical College Admission Test scores in predicting clerkship performance. Results showed disparities in prediction but suggest that the way students are evaluated in clerkships determined which factors…

A one-month subspecialty outpatient clinic program for third-year medical students is described. The clerkship featured high volume (60-70 patients) clinical practice, library research (12 short papers), and close mentor supervision. Pre- and posttest scores did not distinguish participants from others, but participants later reported improved…

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School administered identical, simultaneous objective structured clinical examinations to large medical school classes and found the method logistically and psychometrically feasible. Potential for use of the test to make pass-fail grading decisions and proposals for modification of administration and…

A study identified the characteristics of effective teachers in a problem-based medical course. Students (n=44) saw significant differences in faculty's skills, methods, and classroom management, rating them highest on classroom participation, enthusiasm, and comfort outside their expertise and lowest on providing feedback and addressing…

Reports on a content analysis of 18 manuals designed for college-level teaching assistants. Finds that frequently included topics focused on intellectual and interpersonal tasks. Suggests that the study's results could serve as a model for teaching assistant materials. (CFR)

Evaluates effectiveness of a clerkship curriculum that teaches core family-practice competencies by focusing on the process of care in a generalist practice. Organizing framework consists of five prototypic visits and their encounter tasks: new problem, checkup, chronic illness, psychosocial problem, and behavioral change. Results indicate…

Describes a tool for use by clinical medical preceptors for making brief (5 to 10 minute) focused observations of students and record them in specific, nonjudgmental language, even if feedback does not occur immediately. The teaching-observations sheets can be reduced to three-by-five-inch or other convenient format, are flexible, and help the…

Compares the findings of two research projects with studies of the consolidation and application of clinical knowledge in clinical decision making. Both studies confirmed the importance of personal clinical knowledge. Health information services need to use a variety of strategies and knowledge management skills to ensure that the evaluated…

The article discusses the Integrated Bachelor's/Master's (IB/M) Teacher Preparation, a five-year teacher preparation program that integrates coursework, school-based clinic experiences, and university and K-12 faculty in the preparation of pre-service teachers. A major component of the IB/M program is the relationship with selected public school…

Objective: To review the current status of psychopharmacology education for medical students, residents, and practitioners in psychiatry and other specialties. Methods: A search of the MEDLINE and PsychInfo data bases was conducted using four keywords: pharmacology, psychopharmacology, teaching, and student. Additional references were obtained…

OBJECTIVE: There is an urgent need for research training in psychiatry at early career stages, especially in geriatric psychiatry. The authors describe their first-year experience with the Summer Training in Aging Research Topics--in Mental Health (START-MH), a new federally funded national-level training program intended to offer intensive…

This paper focuses on approaches to designing and managing the undergraduate intern experience in political science, and its companion disciplines, public administration, and public policy. Specifically, it describes ways of connecting the internship with the undergraduate curriculum to provide skill building experiences for students as part of…

Health care reform is changing the way in which health care is provided and altering the role of allied health professionals, especially nurses. This report examines how education can be responsive to the emerging needs of nurses and other allied health professionals. The diverse settings in which diverse populations are served requires the…