Early block creation involves making sure that the block learning objectives (BLOs) are set, creating the detailed WWAMI wide block schedule, and creating the Assessment plan. These steps must be complete in time for the Lockdown meeting to insure that all the regions have enough time to plan for delivering the block.

Block Learning Objectives (BLOs)

Block Learning Objectives (BLOs) set the expected learning outcomes for the students during the block and inform the learning objectives for each session (SLOs). (Sample set BLOs) BLOs typically include objectives for Threads and Themes.   BLO changes are approved by the Foundations Committee but should first be reviewed with the Assistant Dean of Basic Sciences (somcurr@uw.edu) and the director of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education (bime@uw.edu).

Responsibilities:  

Block Directors are responsible for writing, updating, and getting approval for any BLO changes. They also inform the WWAMI region site leads and the Block Admin of any changes. 

Block Admins are responsible for making sure those changes are documented on Canvas, Elentra, and the Syllabus.

Detail Block Scheduling

Detail block scheduling including session development (titles, session types, and SLOs), the block session dates and times, USMLE Content Descriptors, and SLO-to-BLO mapping must be completed in time for the Lockdown meeting (3-4 months before the block starts). All this information needs to be documented in the Detailed Block Schedule (completed sample from I&I, blank Detailed Block schedule). Each Block’s Detailed Block Schedule is stored on the Block’s SharePoint site.

Specific content for each session is not due until the content deadline, 5 weeks before the block starts.

Responsibilities:

Block Directors are responsible for:

• Filling in the session titles, type, and SLOs
• Creating the session schedule
• Assigning USMLE Content Descriptors
• Filling in SLO-to-BLO mapping

Block Admins are responsible for creating the Detailed Block Schedule template and making sure it is shared with the regional site leads and the CMS manager once it is completed.

Session Type

Each session in the Detailed Block Schedule must be labeled with a session type (e.g., discussion large group, case-based discussion, lab, etc. – list of session types). As most of the Foundations courses should be interactive, avoid using “Lectures” as much as possible. This information gets uploaded into the Curriculum Management System (Elentra) and is used for reporting to LCME.LCME

Responsibilities:

Block Directors determine the session type for each session and enter it into column G on the Detailed Block Schedule in time for Lockdown.

Session Level Objectives (SLOs)

Session Learning Objectives (SLOs) set the expected learning outcomes for each session in a block. All SLOs should be specific and testable, coming from the upper levels of the Bloom’s Taxonomy pyramid. Use words such as Describe, Identify, Compare or Explain. Avoid Questions and words that indicate rote memorization such as remember. (See SLOs from an I&I Detailed Block Schedule.) 

Resource: Writing Good Learning Objectives 

Responsibilities: 

Block Directors ensure that SLOs are written for every session and enter them in the Detailed Block Schedule (column I) in time for Lockdown. 

Block Admins enter the SLOs into Canvas. 

USMLE Content Descriptors

Every session must be tagged with USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Content Descriptors so students can refer to them when studying for Step 1. Please refer to the list of Content Descriptors. (for example see Content Descriptors from an I&I Detailed Block Schedule.) 

Responsibilities: 

Block Directors determine the USMLE Content Descriptor for each session and enter it into column L on the Detailed Block Schedule in time for Lockdown. 

The CMS Manager enters the USMLE Content Descriptors into Elentra, the Curriculum Management System.

SLO to BLO mapping

All SLOs must be mapped/associated to one or more of the block’s BLOs. This is added to the Detailed Block schedule (column J). (for example see SLO-to-BLO mapping from an I&I Detailed Block Schedule.) 

Responsibilities: 

Block Directors determine the SLO-to-BLO mapping and then add it to column J in the Detailed Block schedule. 

The CMS Manager enters the SLO-to-BLO mapping into the Curriculum Management System (Elentra).

Assessment Plan

The Assessment Plan outlines the block’s assessment strategy and is due in time for Lockdown. (Blank Assessment Plan, Sample Completed I&I Assessment Plan) Assessment can include exams (e.g., multiple choice questions [MCQs], essay questions, and pin tests), participation assignments, and IRATs.

The Assessment Plan must include the number of questions for each exam, the percentage each exam element will be of the final grade, the breakdown of how many Thread questions will be included in exams (it is important to work this out with Thread Directors in time for Lockdown) and a list of the testable material. 

Responsibilities: 

Block Directors:

• Determine the assessment breakdown
• Work with the Thread Directors to determine the number of thread questions
• Complete the Assessment Plan in time for Lockdown
• Share it with the Block Admin

Block Admins make sure the completed Assessment Plan is shared with SOM assessment team (somtests@uw.edu) prior to Lockdown and that it is added to Canvas and the course Syllabus.