Abstract
Medical school educational curriculum has changed from one that still uses the term “pedagogy” to one that now frames learning from an unacknowledged “andragogical” framework. Service-learning (SL) programs in medical schools illustrate the number of adult learning principles and practices now used in today’s accredited curriculum that better prepares medical students for working with a variety of patients. The researchers’ aim was to assess medical students’ learning experiences while participating with nonprofit organizations during an SL curricula-designed program. The authors analyzed 60 reflective essays over a three-year period from 192 second-year medical students placed in teams of 2-4. A case study research design was employed. This iterative approach allowed the researchers to identify themes and interpret meaning. Data were collected from 2017-2020 and the study was completed in 2020. Five themes illuminated interprofessional collaboration and the other competencies: transferring one’s own knowledge, skills, abilities; articulating active interaction; employing creative process improvement strategies; creating positive, trusting, and rewarding relationships; and collaboration emerging almost without forethought and a multi-prong process bringing privilege and reward. Reflection provides for meaningfulness to arise from SL programs. Medical educators may find that replicating this 5-step SL program into the curriculum infrastructure provides agency buy-in and improved student buy-in. Replicating this 5-step SL program into the curriculum infrastructure provides agency buy-in and improved student buy-in. Disseminating projects and lessons learned to the community showcases personal and professional value from inside and out through experiential learning opportunities.
Presenters
Peter AverkiouAssociate Professor of Pediatrics, Women's and Children's Health, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Health Policies and Practices
KEYWORDS
SERVICE LEARNING, MEDICAL EDUCATION
