2016 Annual Conference

Participants will learn how to integrate formal active group learning into curricula by experiencing a mini-version of a cultural competency series highlighting various active learning techniques and methods. These include games, simulations, case-studies, and facilitated discussion. Participants will walk away with instructional strategies and support documents for their course design.

Educators and/or course designers seeking unique teaching techniques to improve student learning and knowledge retention through creative hands-on activities.

This session is designed to showcase a variety of interactive approaches and assist educators in re-thinking and re-envisioning their own curricula. To spark their creativity, participants will experience a mini-version of a cultural competency curriculum developed by the presenters. This workshop will discuss and demonstrate different active learning approaches as well as methods of curriculum and program evaluation.
Research suggests students who engage in hands-on-activities are more likely to retain information and skills longer than students who sit passively listening to a lecture (Astin, 1993; Pascarella and Terenzini, 2005; Prince, 2004). In an effort to increase medical students’ exposure to health disparities and other barriers to healthcare, the Department of Family Medicine has taken a pivotal role in developing an interactive cultural competency series for these learners. The first session addresses issues related to language barriers impacting the doctor/patient relationship. The second session examines the influence of organizational culture on the work and behavior of physicians and the experience of patients. The final session explores personal values and how to negotiate situations with patients when values collide. Each of the sessions is highly experiential using role-play, simulations, and other forms of active learning to engage learners.