An approach to medical curriculum evaluation

The advent of new trends in medical education makes it necessary for new and established medical schools to evaluate their curricula. The changing needs of society emphasize that this process should be continuous. There are, however, many difficulties which impede the initiation of curriculum evaluation. The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at King Abdulaziz University initiated and carried out a plan for programme evaluation in 1984-85. The pathway selected for this experience was based on existing models which were modified to suit the local needs. The formulation of the plan was guided by general principles aiming at participation, communication, data-gathering from numerous sources and utilization of appropriate resources. The main direction of the evaluation was formative in nature and was carried out internally. The results were analysed and revealed major problems in the existing design and the teaching/learning environment. The recommendations for change were guided by educational criteria concerned with promotion of learning, problem-solving and community orientation. The main emphasis in the presentation of this report is on the process more than the content of curriculum evaluation.