Development and evaluation of study guide template for an integrated cardiovascular module

The undergraduate medical curriculum in the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was reformed in 2002. It is integrated, organized in courses and modules, and has an increasing proportion of problem-based and self-directed learning. The new curriculum has presented the faculty and students with specific challenges. Accustomed to a traditional teacher-centred approach, and because the language of instruction is English, students needed much more support and encouragement in taking advantages of independent learning than their western counterparts would require. A well-designed study guide may be more effective student learning tool in the new integrated curriculum. This article describes to simplify and modern approach to the production of study guides. The approach is based on the development and the use of a study guide template. The guide is evaluated by second year medical students at King Abdulaziz University. The study guide is highly appreciated by student evaluations and 'study guide template' that includes a well-designed layout is a useful aid for medical teachers who have had no experience in producing a study guide. The template allows medical teachers to invest their time in the production of the content rather than in the layout and format of the guide.