FEATURE

Education Faculty Development's Inaugural Year Receives High Marks

In 2008—its first year—Baystate's Education Faculty Development (EFD) reached 224 faculty and received high marks for instructional design and relevance to practice. An aggregated 89% of faculty agreed learner objectives were relevant to the class goal and 77% confirmed they would change some aspect of their practice as a result of class participation.

The Evaluating Core Competencies Workshop with Instructor Keith White, PhD

Early topics, such as October's “Developing Simulation Curricula" taught by Dr. Gladys Fernandez, were selected based on faculty input and strategic priorities. In addition to encouraging sound curriculum design, this workshop provided a resource for integrating simulation into Baystate’s medical education programs.

Offerings have included onsite Tufts-sponsored classes provided by Dr. Maria Blanco, TUSM's Assistant Dean for Faculty Development, that support teaching techniques and academic career development through peer observation of teaching. Quarterly interdisciplinary general-interest workshops have also been added. Nearly 30 faculty participated in the first such workshop, December's “Adult Learning Characteristics," which featured an interactive format. EFD classes are accredited by Baystate Continuing Education.

EFD Supports Advancement of Knowledge Strategic Initiative

The purpose of EFD, coordinated in the Education Office of Academic Affairs, is to help faculty develop greater skill and expertise in instruction and educational research. EFD is built upon a foundation of 6 competencies tailored to clinical education:

• Teaching Techniques

• Educational Research

• Learning Models & Philosophies

• Academic Career & Organizational Development

• Instructional Technology

• Curriculum Development.
  

Survey Responses Will Drive Next Year's EFD Offerings

A topic and availability survey administered earlier this year measured perceived needs and interests for the 6 competencies (see graph below). Courses will be developed based on the responses of 104 faculty and preceptors from most areas of clinical education. One example, “Experiential Learning,” offered on June 4, will improve faculty understanding of this common learning model and help them provide more effective instruction.

To make a suggestion for EFD, contact Elisabeth Bennett at 4-8798 or Elisabeth.Bennett@baystatehealth.org.