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Impact of a Journal Club Elective Course on Student Learning Measures
Julie N Burris1, Emily K Frederick1, Daniel R Malcom1,2
1Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Louisville, Kentucky.
Completing a journal club elective significantly improved pharmacy students' academic performance. Students in the elective scored higher on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) and in coursework.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Academic Performance Assessment
Background:
- Pharmacy students' longitudinal performance is crucial for professional development.
- Evaluating the impact of extracurricular academic activities can inform curriculum design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of a journal club elective on pharmacy student outcomes.
- To assess the impact on standardized test scores, course grades, and practical experience evaluations.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was used, dividing students into journal club completers and non-completers.
- Hierarchical linear regression analysis assessed outcomes including the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA), course grades, and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).
Main Results:
- Students who completed the journal club elective scored 24.5 points higher on the PCOA.
- The elective was associated with a 2% increase in overall course grades and APPEs, with statistically significant results.
Conclusions:
- An elective journal club course demonstrably enhances pharmacy student learning across multiple objective measures.
- Key components include primary literature engagement, peer learning, and concept scaffolding, valuable for curriculum development.
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