Implementing cognitive apprenticeship theory for an ethics module within a first-year pharmacy skills course

Critical thinking and problem solving are two skills required to be a successful pharmacist. These skills are often difficult to teach and assess within the classroom. Cognitive apprenticeship theory has been discussed in literature to foster the cognitive and meta-cognitive processes of thinking. Coordinators of a first year Pharmaceutical Skills I course explore how they incorporated this theory into an ethics module to enhance student awareness of thinking and application.

An ethics module was incorporated into a first year doctor of pharmacy skills course in fall 2021. This module was developed following the four dimensions of cognitive apprenticeship. Lecture materials and ethical debate topics were created by course coordinators and mirrored real time ethical issues surrounding the field of pharmacy. Students were required to use primary literature, the American Pharmacists' Association Code of Ethics, and other ethical terms to support their arguments. Cognitive apprenticeship theory was used throughout the module and post-debate discussions.

The ethics module presented in this course incorporated all dimensions of cognitive apprenticeship. Course coordinators perceived students were able to apply knowledge of ethical principles to scenarios and debates in an effective manner. Purposeful introduction, reiteration, and application offers students the chance to showcase critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

Utilizing the cognitive apprenticeship theory to prepare students for critical thinking is effective when incorporated into a course module. This theory could be successfully implemented into other topics throughout the course and throughout the pharmacy curriculum.