A scale for curriculum evaluation and development in the health professions

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Curriculum Development and Evaluation
• Educational Assessment

Background:

• Educational institutions for health professionals face evolving societal and professional demands.
• There is a need for accessible and effective evaluative instruments to guide curriculum changes.
• Existing evaluation methods may not adequately address the multifaceted nature of curriculum reform.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the effective utilization of a simple scale for curricular evaluation, innovation, and reform in health professions education.
• To present a versatile tool that aids in multiple phases of curriculum design and assessment.
• To support institutions in developing responsive and effective educational programs.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a simple, integrated scale for curricular assessment.
• The scale combines two previously described instruments for enhanced utility.
• The scale's application is demonstrated across key stages of curriculum design, including philosophy development, learning experience selection, and final evaluation.

Main Results:

• The described scale provides an effective and easily understood method for curricular evaluation.
• It serves as a valuable aid in formulating educational philosophies and defining goals and objectives.
• The scale facilitates the selection and organization of learning experiences and the comprehensive evaluation of the curriculum.

Conclusions:

• A simple, integrated scale can significantly enhance the process of curriculum evaluation, innovation, and reform in health professions education.
• This tool supports multiple stakeholders in understanding and improving educational programs.
• Its application across different design phases promotes a more cohesive and effective curriculum development cycle.