Towards a program of focused and applied curriculum research

Marcel D'Eon, PhD

doi:10.36834/cmej.36623

Towards a program of focused and applied curriculum research

Authors

Marcel D'Eon, PhD CMEJ Associate Editor, University of Saskatchewan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.36623

Keywords:

applied research, curriculum delivery, PBL

Abstract

Though hundreds of journal pages have been packed with studies describing, analyzing, and synthesizing benefits of PBL over conventional curricula we still don’t really know why because there are so many differences between them that it is impossible to say which of the various elements contributes to any incremental student learning. We need to apply the scientific method to studies of curriculum delivery. Accumulating evidence from strong studies in messy real-world situations will eventually yield important insights and instrumental truths for real medical schools and real medical students that teachers and administrators can then implement. Examples of feasible experimental designs are described including a factorial study. More effective curriculum development is only possible through a renewed applied research agenda that is both focused and grounded in the real world.

Author Biography

Marcel D'Eon, PhD, CMEJ Associate Editor, University of Saskatchewan

Dr. D'Eon has attained the rank of full Professor, is located in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, but works for the Dean as an internal consultant and change agent. He served as Chair of the Curriculum Committee from 2008 to 2011 and is currently Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee of Council for the university, and Director of the university's Centre for Discovery in Learning. He is now heading a major curriculum renewal project for the program leading to the MD. His research interests include: Curriculum development, Program Evaluation, and Teaching and learning innovations.

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Published

2013-09-30

How to Cite

D’Eon, PhD M. Towards a program of focused and applied curriculum research. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2013 Sep. 30 [cited 2024 Dec. 29];4(2):e52-e55. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/36623

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Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Commentary and Opinions

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