11 Evaluating and Reflecting on the Block
The key final steps in the cycle of a block is evaluating the block and threads and themes within the block (the lessons learned process) and completing Bias reduction for your content. Evaluation of the block/threads/themes 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
Thread/Theme Directors attend all lessons learned meetings for each block. Lessons Learned is the Foundations curriculum evaluation process. Block/Thread/Theme 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/Thread/Theme 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, in 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: As needed meet with the thread/theme regional workgroup to formulate a draft response and changes for the next iteration of the block.
- Lessons Learned Looking Forward: About 4-6 weeks after the block, in the Lessons Learned: Looking Forward meeting. You will review the 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. Thread/Theme directors attend as necessary.
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:
Thread/Theme Directors:
- Review all reports
- Discuss changes in the Lessons Learned meetings
- Implement the changes in the following iteration of the block
Thread/Theme Admins: Assist in scheduling work group meetings as necessary.
Bias Reduction
It is inevitable that unintended implicit bias will creep into SOM content. Block/Thread/Theme 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:
Thread/Theme Directors: Reduce bias in their content by responding to feedback and regularly reviewing content.
Thread/Themes Admins: Assist in sending specific content to Themes faculty for review.