11 Evaluating and Reflecting on the Block
The key final steps in the cycle of the block are evaluating the block (the lessons learned process) and completing Bias reduction for your content. Evaluation of the block creates the frame work for changes to the next iteration of the block and leads to the steps in the Before the Block phase.
The Lessons Learned Process
Lessons Learned is the Foundations curriculum evaluation process. Block Directors review student evaluations, end of block reports, and stakeholder input to plan changes for the next iteration of the block.
The Lessons Learned timeline:
- Reports: About 2-4 weeks after the block, Block Directors should receive the following reports that need to be reviewed before the Lessons Learned Looking Back meeting:
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- End of Block Assessment report
- End of Block Evaluations report
- Student Block Partner report
- Video Analytics report
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- Lessons Learned Looking Back: About 2-4 weeks after the block, lead the Lessons Learned: Looking Back meeting. You will discuss, evaluate, and reflect on the previous iteration of the block, informed by block reports and the experience of faculty, students, and staff. (Lessons Learned Looking Back Agenda Template)
- Formulate Response: Meet with the regional workgroup as necessary to formulate a draft response.
- Lessons Learned Looking Forward: About 4-6 weeks after the block, lead the Lessons Learned: Looking Forward meeting. You will review your proposed changes to the course, including adjustments in content and delivery. (Lessons Learned Looking Forward Agenda Template)
- Communicate: After the changes have been determined at the Lessons Learned Looking Forward meeting, Block Directors communicate those changes to students by responding to the Student Block Partner report.
- Foundations Committee: About 3 months after the end of the course, Block Directors present the Change Summary form (Template & form Instructions) at the Foundations Committee for a vote to finalize the changes.
Resources:
Be sure to check The Foundations Rules of the Road which are a set of principles to guide faculty and staff in planning and implementing
blocks and courses across the Foundations Phase.
Responsibilities:
Block Directors:
- Review all reports
- Lead discussion in the Lessons Learned meetings
- Complete the Foundations Committee change form
- Write a response to students
- Present at Foundations Committee
- Implement the changes in the following iteration of the block
Block Admins:
- Schedule the Lessons Learned meetings
- Disseminate the reports to the regional leads
- Prepare the agendas for the Lesson Learned meetings
- Record and take notes at the Lessons Learned meetings
- Help send out the Block Directors’ response to the students
- Document these steps and changes to meet LCME requirements
Bias Reduction
It is inevitable that unintended implicit bias will creep into SOM content. Block directors can help reduce bias in the following ways:
- Immediately address any student feedback related to Bias. Feedback can come from the End of Block evaluations, student complaints of mistreatment, Meetings with Student Block Partners, or thru office hours.
- By reviewing and encouraging content creators to review their content regularly for Bias. (bias reduction resources)
- By sending specific content to Themes faculty who are willing to review Themes related new content developed by the blocks (Admins can assist in this process).
Responsibilities:
Block Directors: Reduce bias in their content by responding to feedback and regularly reviewing content.
Block Admins: Assist in sending specific content to Themes faculty for review.