Student Engagement in Curriculum Development for Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Curriculum Development
• Student Engagement

Background:

• Medical education traditionally positions students as passive recipients.
• Active student involvement in curriculum development (CD) is crucial for enhancing educational relevance and effectiveness.
• Collaborative student participation in shaping medical curricula is increasingly recognized as fundamental.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review exploring the extent and nature of research on student engagement in medical curriculum development.
• To identify key components of student engagement in CD, including roles, formats, recruitment, impacts, and recommendations.
• To assess the geographical distribution and limitations of existing research on student engagement in CD.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review methodology was employed.
• Data were systematically extracted from 50 relevant articles.
• Analysis focused on predefined components of student engagement: role, format, recruitment methods, impacts, and recommendations.

Main Results:

• The existing body of research on student engagement in CD is concentrated within specific geographical regions.
• The scope of inquiry into student roles, engagement formats, and recruitment strategies is notably confined.
• Identified impacts and recommendations highlight a need for more diverse and inclusive approaches.

Conclusions:

• Current research on student engagement in curriculum development lacks global and cultural diversity.
• There is a strong recommendation for expanding research to include a wider range of geographical areas and cultural contexts.
• Future studies should aim to establish more culturally sensitive models of student engagement in medical CD.