Impact of a practical skills assessment on the individual engagement of undergraduate pharmacy students within laboratory coursework sessions

Boyle, Susanne P. (2012) Impact of a practical skills assessment on the individual engagement of undergraduate pharmacy students within laboratory coursework sessions. Creative Education, 3 (6A). pp. 908-911. ISSN 2151-4771

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Abstract

This study reports on the learner impact, practicability and cost effectiveness of an individual practical skills test designed to assess the interpretative and manipulative skills of undergraduate pharmacy in a laboratory setting. The reliability of the assessment tool across a 5 year period was examined and refinements introduced in response to constructive feedback from colleagues and learner feedback recorded via end of year Student Evaluation Questionnaires. A blended learning strategy supported the needs of multiple learning styles and inclusion of a formative assessment increased student confidence and improved cohort performance in the summative assessment. Future directions include the introduction of a peer learning activity as a means of reducing group sizes and providing an opportunity for the learners to develop skills in constructive critique and reflective learning.