Wake up! Your PDQ is due!

Abstract

1. Lori A Woeste, EdD MT (ASCP)[⇑][1] 1. is assistant professor, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Illinois State University 2. Beverly J Barham, PhD MPH MT(ASCP) 1. is associate professor, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Illinois State University 1. Address for correspondence: Lori A Woeste EdD MT (ASCP), assistant professor, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Department of Health Sciences, 332 Felmley Hall Campus Box 5220, Illinois State University, Normal IL 61790-5220 (309) 438-8810, (309) 438-2450 (fax). lawoest{at}ilstu.edu. BACKGROUND Student engagement in the classroom can often be an elusive goal. We as faculty in a four-year university-based clinical laboratory science program were noticing a trend of more students coming to class unprepared. In an effort to increase student engagement in two different pre-professional practice clinical laboratory science (CLS) courses, the pre-discussion quiz (PDQ) was implemented as a curricular component for enhancing student engagement. This was done as an active learning strategy to motivate students to read the material and respond to a series of questions in preparation for discussion before they came to class. A review of educational literature suggests intrinsically motivated learning enhances the learning process. It is suggested this intrinsic motivation is linked to such factors as the perception of personal control, self-efficacy, and the perception of relevance.1 These instructional strategies should give the learner some control over sequence of instruction and pace,2 and some even believe they should not be optional.3 The use of incentive-based preparation exercises has been found to significantly improve student engagement and provide an effective means of assessment.4 OVERVIEW The pre discussion quizzes (PDQs) were delivered via WebCT® in undergraduate CLS immunology and chemistry courses. Each course was 16 weeks long, met twice a week at 8:00 AM during the fall semester, and included 24 in the student cohort. Most students were at junior status with a few seniors and an occasional sophomore. The cohort included both native students, e.g., those students who began their post secondary experience at this institution,… ABBREVIATIONS: CLS = clinical laboratory science; PDQ = pre discussion quiz. [1]: #corresp-1