Skills-based Curriculum Research Articles

Development Of A Skills-based Curriculum To Promote Health Behaviors Through Physical Activity

Development Of A Skills-based Curriculum To Promote Health Behaviors Through Physical Activity

A transformative model for teaching and learning emotional intelligence for aspiring entrepreneurial leaders

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurial leaders, social-science researchers, and small business practitioners call for the early development of emotional intelligence (EI). Although several programs integrate key EI concepts, there are few examples of how to develop an integrated learning framework for teaching and learning EI skills for daily use. This article introduces a practical transformative model of emotional intelligence (TEI) that emphasizes the personally meaningful development of personal, emotional, relationship, and life skills that are so important for school, work, and life success. A 1-day seminar experience embedded in a European-based international summer school course in the School of Management Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland, generated new evidence for how a skills-based curriculum in EI can be used to empower future entrepreneurs and leaders. The study reveals new findings for integrating a practical approach for engendering TEI for leaders.

Ontario college media professor careers across five decades

ABSTRACT This exploratory research analyses the careers, teaching practices, and self-assessments of Ontario college media teachers in three parts of the Province and three time periods (those hired in the 1970s and 1980s, 1990–2007, and 2007–2022). I interviewed 15 retired media teachers and academic managers; also, 42 current instructors and academic managers answered a survey about their professional experiences. My analysis uses a feminist model of closure theory from the neo-Weberian sociology of professions (Witz, 1992) along with intersectional writing on identity to explain the gendered and racialised nature of the labour market in these geographically and historically specific areas and eras. At the beginning of the first period, privileged white middle-class men with connections to education and industry experience founded the programmes, eventually hiring privileged white women with relevant credentials, all teaching full-time. In the 1990s, the neoliberal practice of hiring substantial cohorts of non-fulltime (NFT) teachers, and a demand for graduate university credentials can be linked to the advent of joint university-college media programmes and an increase in hiring of administrative staff (Mackay, 2014). In the programmes themselves, I found that the institutionalised apprenticeship model of the early college changed to a skills-based curriculum, the current emphasis in all college programmes. In hiring, gender parity for white heterosexual women has been achieved in the central hub, and consciousness of race has grown over time. However, media teachers still do not match the intersectional diversity of their students due to credentialist and legislative professional closure in hiring and promotion among fulltimers. I theorise that this closure operates by requiring credentials for full-time positions that are not available to all, depending on intersectional class, race, sexuality, disability, neurodiversity, and age.

Development of a brief inpatient curriculum to enhance trainee skills in assessment and treatment of adolescents with substance use and co-occurring mental health problems

Background Adolescence is a critical period for substance use intervention, yet few youth receive evidence-based treatment for both co-occurring substance use and mental health problems. Gaps in professional training limit adequate assessment and treatment of substance use problems among youth receiving psychiatric treatment. Methods We developed a two-session curriculum, integrated into a child/adolescent psychiatry inpatient rotation, to improve knowledge and skills in evidence-based practices for screening, brief intervention, psychoeducation, and care coordination, among multidisciplinary mental health clinicians. A pre/post survey evaluated perceived helpfulness, confidence in clinical skills, and intentions to engage in evidence-based practices. Results Trainees perceived the content as helpful and reported significant increases in confidence and intention to engage in the targeted evidence-based practices. Conclusions Implementation of a brief, focused, skills-based curriculum in clinical settings can effectively introduce trainees to core concepts not currently adequately covered in existing curricula.

A mixed-methods evaluation of a longitudinal primary-secondary school transitions support intervention.

Primary-secondary school transitions are critical transitions for children that can be emotionally demanding longitudinal experiences, which can positively and negatively impact future emotional wellbeing and mental health. However, interventions that have been developed to reduce the negative outcomes children commonly experience are limited in number, sustainability, and reach and rely on a cross-sectional approach, as opposed to longitudinal evaluations. The current study evaluates Transitions 5-7, a universal, class-based 9-week intervention to develop children's awareness and ability to cope with the multiple changes experienced over primary-secondary school transitions. The evaluation utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative outcome and qualitative process intervention evaluation. For the outcome evaluation, a quasi-experimental research design was used, and children of the intervention and comparison groups completed a questionnaire in Year 5 (n = 185), Year 6 (n = 217), and Year 7 (n = 162), which assessed their self-reported perception of Transitions Worries, Transitions Excitement, Emotional Wellbeing, Parental Support, and Coping Efficacy. To understand the implementation of Transitions 5-7, three focus groups were conducted with Year 6 children, 3 interviews with teachers, and 1 interview with the Transitions Manager of the local government education authority during the project, who developed Transitions 5-7. The outcome evaluation found that children participating in the intervention showed a decrease in Transitions Worries and an increase in Transitions Excitement and Coping Efficacy compared with the comparison group, resulting in a lowered impact on Emotional Wellbeing over time. The need for a more systemic approach to primary-secondary school support provision, which is gradual, has a distinct delivery and follows a skills-based curriculum, was discussed in the process evaluation. Meta-inferences drawn demonstrate the importance of gradual emotional centered transitions provision embedded within Years 5, 6, and 7. The present study makes a unique empirical contribution in demonstrating the need and viability to take a preventative as opposed to a curative approach to primary-secondary school transitions support provision and begin early in Year 5. Conceptual and methodological implications for future research and implications for educational policy and practice are discussed.

A Study on Life Skills among Adolescents Attending Government Schools

ABSTRACT Background: Adolescence is a phase of transition marked by several biological, psychological, and social changes. A vast majority of students attend government schools in India. There seems to be a paucity of studies assessing the level of life skills. Materials and Methods: The present study aimed to assess life skills among adolescents attending government schools. Life skills of government school-going adolescents belonging to the age groups of 14 (n = 47), 15 (n = 51), and 16 (n = 22) years were assessed cross-sectionally through the Life Skills Assessment Scale. Voluntary assent of the participants and written informed consent from the school and the guardians were obtained. Collected data were analyzed using the software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS, 25.0 version) using the statistical methods of mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. To see the variation in life skills across the sociodemographic factors, independent sample t-tests (religion, residence, types of family, and socioeconomic status) and ANOVA (age levels, birth order, mother’s education, and father’s education) were used. Effect sizes were computed as partial eta-squared. The level of significance was kept at 0.05, and post hoc Bonferroni corrections were made for multiple comparisons. The study had the approval of Scientific Advisory and Institute Ethics Committees. Results: Students aged 14 years were significantly lower in life skills compared to the other two groups. Parental education also had a significant effect on life skills development. Children belonging to lower socioeconomic group were poorer in life skills compared to middle socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for the inclusion of life skills-based curriculum in government schools.

Development and Pilot Testing of a Longitudinal Skills-Based Feedback and Conflict Resolution Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents.

Physicians in training are responsible for leading clinical teams, coordinating interdisciplinary management, navigating conflict, and supervising and giving feedback to junior learners. Giving feedback and resolving conflict are key leadership skills for internal medicine (IM) residents, many of whom desire additional training. Although these skills are integral to successful leadership for physicians in training, residents receive little explicit education and existing curricula have not established best practices for skill acquisition. Study authors designed a pilot longitudinal, skills-based curriculum to teach first- through third-year IM residents at the University of Pittsburgh how to give formative feedback and engage in conflict resolution. From February to May 2021, authors delivered a series of interactive lectures utilizing frameworks, workplace-based scenarios, skills practice, and discussion. Skills transfer was evaluated with novel pre- and postcurriculum objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) wherein participants played the role of senior resident. Each OSCE involved 2 feedback and 2 conflict resolution stations. OSCE performances were evaluated using an author-created checklist with a 1-4 rating scale. The exposure group comprised post-OSCE participants who attended the curriculum. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects regression model. Thirty-six residents participated in curriculum evaluation, and 23 were included in postcurriculum data analysis. Within feedback, the skill "explores feedback content" significantly improved for exposure group participants (precurriculum median, 2.64; postcurriculum, 3.24; P < .05). For conflict resolution, among the exposure group, the skill "identifies a common goal, value, or purpose" significantly improved (pre, 3.10; post, 3.62; P < .05). This curriculum and evaluation can serve as a stepping stone for further evidence-based leadership frameworks, curricula, and evaluations developed specifically for physicians within their unique leadership roles. The feedback and conflict resolution frameworks used in this curriculum can be applied to various medical specialties, with specialty-relevant scenario adaptations for interactive skills practice.

Contribution of the Skills-Based Approach to Teaching Students in Lower Secondary Schools and on Poverty Reduction After COVID-19 Disruptions in Communities in Jinja North Division, Uganda

The study sought to examine the contribution of the skills-based approach to teaching students in lower secondary schools after COVID-19 disruptions and poverty reduction. The study was purely qualitative in nature and data were obtained using interview guide and focus discussion. Findings revealed that skills-based education is given to students through class talks, but other living skills such as self-worth, decision-making, and successful communication are not given priority. HIV/AIDS prevention and health education initiatives are implemented to raise awareness, change attitudes, and promote healthy sexual behaviour. Skills-based education is an important tool for reducing poverty in communities by providing students with communication, debate, and tailoring skills, as well as computer skills, gymnastics, sports and games. These gains bring about employment and money to fight poverty. Parents are failing to provide instructional materials, leading to an increase in drinking alcohol and smoking, a lack of interest in reading, and an increase in the student-to-teacher ratio. This leads to late coming, dodging of school, and abolishment of punishment and promotion. The study concluded that skills-based education is an important tool for reducing poverty in communities by providing students with communication, debate, and tailoring skills, as well as computer skills, gymnastics, sports, and games. Also, other life skills such as self-worth, decision-making, and successful communication are not given priority. Based on the conclusion the study recommends that all teachers should be involved in the implementation of a skills-based curriculum for effectiveness, the government should supply schools with materials such as computer sets and sewing machines among others to enhance practical training of students and academics should be balanced with extracurricular activities such as debating and games for the cognitive and mental development of the learners.

Islamic Religious Education Curriculum Development Model

The field of education is ever-evolving and always changing in the direction of perfection, both in terms of future readiness and adaptability to the environment and time in which it exists. In essence, the curriculum serves as a roadmap for carrying out the educational process in both schools and even colleges. There is no denying that curriculum implementation in the millennial era requires curriculum to change to meet the demands of the times. Islam itself strongly encourages movements for constructive development and change, believing that these are the keys to advancement and improvement. This problem served as the foundation for the formation of the research problem, which is the idea and framework for creating an Islamic religious education curriculum. Reference-based research—that is, observation centered on books, journals, or other publications—is the methodology employed. The study's findings demonstrate the curriculum's function in a number of areas that are important to educational activities, such as a) the school in question; b) schools or madrasas above it; and c) the community, which uses graduates. An eclectic method, or selecting the best of the four techniques listed below, can be used to build an Islamic religious education curriculum that fits its unique features. These methods include the following: a) subject-based methods; b) humanistic methods; c) technology methods; and d) social reconstruction methods. In the meantime, the Islamic education curriculum development model provides two alternatives for madrasas, including a competency-based and life skills-based curriculum development model and an Islamic Religious Universities competency-based curriculum development model.

A pilot curriculum to transition from 2D to 3D image-guided brachytherapy: A preliminary needs assessment.

11039 Background: Gynecologic cancers are one of the leading causes of death globally with a disproportionate burden of disease found in low to middle income countries (LMIC). Brachytherapy is often a necessary component in treatment management as it can deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor while employing a steep dose fall off that spares the adjacent organs at risk. With 3D image guided brachytherapy (3D-IGBT), treatment planning utilizes volumetric images with the target volume and organs at risk contoured, reducing toxicity and improving outcomes when compared to 2D planar imaging. Despite this advantage, only a limited number of LMIC centers perform 3D-IGBT. Transitioning to 3D-IGBT requires considerable planning, resources, and training. The development of a multidisciplinary, computer-based training program to facilitate the transition to 3D-IGBT was identified as a priority of multiple Radiation Oncology departments in Nigeria. The aim of this preliminary needs assessment was to identify the necessary resources and anticipated barriers to development of a pilot training curriculum for the transition to 3D-IGBT. Methods: An anonymous, 16-question online survey was distributed to clinicians, physicists, radiation therapists, and staff within a Radiation Oncology department of a teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Results: In January 2023, 53 respondents completed the survey. Of the respondents, 36.5% were female and 63.5% were male. The average age was 37.5 (SD = 7.8). Clinical experience ranged from &lt; 5 years (52.6%), 6-10 years (9.4%), to &gt; 10 years (30.2%). Respondents included radiation therapists (28.8%), clinicians (27%), nurses (23.1%), and physicists (15.4%). Multiple barriers to implementation of 3D-IGBT were identified including lack of training (79.2%) or experience (58.5%), lack of financial investment (50.9%), and anticipated repair/replacement of equipment (41.5%). A majority of respondents identified staff training/education (66%) as critical to delivering 3D-IGBT. When asked about the curriculum components needed, most respondents believed that it should include plan review (96.2%), contour review (94.3%), and peer review of clinical cases (92.5%). Conclusions: Various areas of potential need were identified through this preliminary needs assessment, most notably, staff training. These findings suggest that there is an unmet need to further develop and implement a structured didactic and skills-based curriculum to transition from 2D to 3D-IGBT at these institutions. Identified focus areas including contour, peer, and plan review will help guide the refinement of this curriculum. These findings are an important first step in delivery of safe and efficacious 3D-IGBT in an LMIC.

Protocol for the promoting resilience in stress management (PRISM) intervention: a multi-site randomized controlled trial for adolescents and young adults with advanced cancer

BackgroundAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are at high risk of poor psychosocial outcomes, and evidence-based interventions designed to meet their psychosocial and communication needs are lacking. The main objective of this project is to test the efficacy of a new adaptation of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management intervention for AYAs with Advanced Cancer (PRISM-AC).Methods/designThe PRISM-AC trial is a 2-arm, parallel, non-blinded, multisite, randomized controlled trial. 144 participants with advanced cancer will be enrolled and randomized to either usual, non-directive, supportive care without PRISM-AC (“control” arm) or with PRISM-AC (“experimental” arm). PRISM is a manualized, skills-based training program comprised of four 30–60 min, one-on-one sessions targeting AYA-endorsed resilience resources (stress-management, goal-setting, cognitive-reframing, and meaning-making). It also includes a facilitated family meeting and a fully equipped smartphone app. The current adaptation includes an embedded advance care planning module. English- or Spanish-speaking individuals 12–24 years old with advanced cancer (defined as progressive, recurrent, or refractory disease, or any diagnosis associated with < 50% survival) receiving care at 4 academic medical centers are eligible. Patients’ caregivers are also eligible to participate in this study if they are able to speak and read English or Spanish, and are cognitively and physically able to participate. Participants in all groups complete surveys querying patient-reported outcomes at the time of enrollment and 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-enrollment. The primary outcome of interest is patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and secondary outcomes of interest include patient anxiety, depression, resilience, hope and symptom burden, parent/caregiver anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life, and family palliative care activation. We will conduct intention-to-treat analysis to compare the group means of primary and secondary outcomes between PRISM-AC arm and control arm with regression models.DiscussionThis study will provide methodologically rigorous data and evidence regarding a novel intervention to promote resilience and reduce distress among AYAs with advanced cancer. This research has the potential to offer a practical, skills-based curriculum designed to improve outcomes for this high-risk group.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03668223, September 12, 2018.

Lifeskill-Based Curriculum Development at Didaktika Uswatun Khasanah Kindergarten

Life skills education must be taught from an early age, not only as a provision for children to live their daily lives but also to face future life challenges. This study aims to determine the process of implementing a life skills-based curriculum and to find out how the development of aspects in children with the application of a life skills-based curriculum at Didaktika Uswatun Khasanah Kindergarten. The research was conducted from January 1 to February 1, 2023, at Didaktika Uswatun Khasanah Kindergarten, Beji Village, Kedungbanteng District, Banyumas Regency. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. The life skill-based curriculum implemented at Didaktika Uswatun Khasanah Kindergarten aims to prepare students who have an attitude of independence and hone plural intelligence and responsibility by the stage of child development so that children can master basic skills at the age stage of the child. The success of this life skills-based curriculum results from cooperation between students, teachers, and school community members and mutual support in implementing learning programs.

Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of implementing a family-based intervention Your Family, Your Neighborhood with Latinx immigrant families

School-based parent involvement is associated with child academic outcomes, positive behaviors, and social skills. However, schools often struggle to engage low-income, Latinx immigrant, Spanish-speaking parents and are tasked with finding new and creative ways to involve these parents. Despite the need to engage this diverse group of parents, culturally and linguistically responsive programs to engage parents are limited. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a family-based intervention—Your Family, Your Neighborhood (YFYN)—with Latinx immigrant Spanish-speaking families. YFYN is an empirically supported, dual-generation, in-person, manualized curriculum that supports and strengthens bonds between parents and their children while fostering neighborhood social cohesion among families living in low-income communities and project-based subsidized housing. Parent-child dyads (N = 15) residing in a mid-sized city within a southwestern state participated in the YFYN intervention. Participating families attended 10 two-hour skills-based curriculum sessions during which they gathered for a community dinner and participated in parent- and child-specific skills-based groups (e.g., learning skills such as parent–child communication, school engagement strategies, positive youth development and leadership, and community strengths and challenges through photovoice). Intervention feasibility and acceptability were evaluated based on parent attendance (parents attended a mean of 8.39 out of 10 sessions), attrition rates and qualitative post-participation focus groups. Parents demonstrated a statistically significant change in parent–child relationships from pre-assessment to post-assessment and positive trends for participation in school activities, positive child behavior and community connections. Findings from this study reveal that the YFYN intervention is feasible and highly acceptable with Spanish-speaking Latinx immigrant families, demonstrated by high session attendance and low attrition. Focus groups with parent participants indicated improvements in their parent–child relationships, changes in participants’ perspectives of their impact on their child’s education and the development of new connections with other YFYN parent participants. This study offers preliminary findings regarding the effects of the YFYN intervention among Latinx families living in low-income neighborhoods. Future directions for engaging Spanish-speaking Latinx immigrant families in schools are discussed.

INVESTIGATING MOROCCAN TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN LIFE AND EARTH SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS AND CURRICULUM

This study provides insights into Moroccan Life and Earth Science teachers’ perspectives on the alignment of textbooks with the curriculum in middle and high schools. The study aims to explore teachers’ views on the effectiveness of Life and Earth Science textbooks in aligning with content, skills, culture, and textbook functions. Data were collected from 243 Life and Earth Science teachers using a survey instrument with 37 Likert-scale items. Results indicate that while teachers hold positive views on the alignment of textbooks with content and skills-based curricula, there is a need for improvement in the cultural aspect. Additionally, the study finds that educational stage and the language of instruction significantly affect teachers’ perspectives. To improve the quality and effectiveness of Life and Earth Science education, the study emphasizes the importance of considering the alignment between curriculum and textbooks, as well as educational stage and language of instruction, in their development and use. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the alignment of Life and Earth Science textbooks with the curriculum in Moroccan middle and high schools. These findings can help publishers, curriculum developers, and teachers in improving the effectiveness and relevance of Life and Earth Science education for Moroccan learners. Keywords: Teachers’ Perspectives, Textbooks, Curriculum Alignment, Life and Earth Sciences DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.47

Protocol for the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention: A multi-site randomized controlled trial for adolescents with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundAdolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at high risk for elevated diabetes distress, which greatly impacts diabetes management, glycemic outcomes and overall quality of life. Developing protective skills and “resilience resources” to navigate adversity and manage diabetes distress has high potential to help adolescents with T1D achieve optimal behavioral, psychological, and health outcomes. The “Promoting Resilience in Stress Management” (PRISM) program is a manualized, brief, skills-based intervention delivered over 6 months via two 45–60 min one-on-one sessions and a family meeting with a PRISM coach, and supplemented by booster calls and a digital app. This trial (PRISM versus usual care)is designed to:: (1) assess PRISM's impact on glycemic outcomes and diabetes distress among adolescents with T1D, and (2) explor PRISM's impact on resilience, self-reported adherence, and quality of life. MethodsWe describe the protocol for a multi-site randomized controlled trial designed for adolescents ages 13–18 with elevated diabetes distress. The primary trial outcomes are glycemic outcomes and diabetes distress 6 months post-randomization. Secondary outcomes include resilience, self-reported adherence, and QOL 6 months post-randomization. Our hypothesis is that youth in the PRISM group will demonstrate better glycemic outcomes and improved diabetes distress, adherence, resilience, and QOL compared to usual care. ConclusionsThis study will provide methodologically rigorous data and evidence regarding a novel intervention to promote resilience among adolescents with T1D and elevated diabetes distress. This research has the potential to offer a practical, skills-based curriculum designed to improve outcomes for this high-risk group.Trial Registration: Prospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03847194).

Skills-based curriculum design for culinary course in Traditional Tahfiz institutions

Traditional Tahfiz institutions have poor curriculum focus and design, resulting in graduates with poor employability skills. To overcome this issue, these institutions must embrace a skill-based curriculum, particularly for culinary courses. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the relevant objectives, learning content, delivery method, and assessment technique for Culinary Courses offered by traditional Tahfiz institutions. Twenty Tahfiz and culinary experts were selected for the Fuzzy Delphi Method utilising a purposive sample technique. According to the findings, the experts conclusively accepted all proposed objectives and learning activities. On the other hand, only 14 items representing content of learning, two items representing teaching modes, five items representing assessment activities, and three items representing assessment levels were acceptable. Generally, these items have reached a consensus value of above 80%. In summary, the proposed curriculum design serves as a useful reference for developing graduates' employability skills in addition to their Quranic knowledge and memorising skills. However, it is recommended that future studies develop a module based on the findings of this study in order to successfully introduce Culinary Courses in traditional Tahfiz institutions.

AAIM Recommendations to Promote Equity in the Clerkship Clinical Learning Environment

AAIM Recommendations to Promote Equity in the Clerkship Clinical Learning Environment

Self-Determination Factors and Their Impact Through the Relative Autonomy Index on Skills-Based Learning

Through this study, we aim to identify the relationships between self-determination factors and skills-based learning, as well as the impact of these relationships on increasing the quality of skills-based learning in lower secondary education. The methodology of this paper is the use of quantitative methods of descriptive and inferential statistics in order to study the principle of self-determination through statistical estimation of the RAI (Relative Autonomy Index) coefficient. The data for the conduct of the empirical study were made possible by the questionnaires of the academic self-regulation type. The study includes two samples of students divided by the learning difficulty level. The novelty of this study is precisely the inclusion of the students with learning difficulties and the comparison of their outcomes with those of progressive students. There are many studies on the latter, some of which have guided the idea of this study. The Relative Autonomy Index was built by assessing the motivation sublevels dependent on their position in the self-determination process. Consequently, the data were collected by the standard academic self-regulation questionnaire, for the students with learning difficulties (45 students) and progressive students (45 students). The content of the questions is mainly about the reasons that make students do their works at school. The study of the RAI variable was conducted by treating the data according to their classification in terms of students' level of learning difficulties. To conclude on the relation of controlled motivation to relative autonomous motivation, the results of cross-quartile and descriptive distribution of RAI variable were studied. According to the selected sample, the analysis of this empirical study does not give us a good picture of the implementation of the skills-based curriculum, a process, which should enable each student to master the key skills for lifelong learning. Received: 20 April 2021 / Accepted: 16 June 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021

Implicit Bias Recognition and Management in Interpersonal Encounters and the Learning Environment: A Skills-Based Curriculum for Medical Students.

IntroductionStudents desire instruction in skill development to address both their own implicit biases and bias perceived in the learning environment. Curricula to date achieve strategy identification through reflection and discussion but do not provide opportunity for personally relevant skill development and practice in implicit bias recognition and management. To address this gap, we developed and evaluated a skills-based elective in implicit bias recognition and management focused on learners' own interpersonal interactions, including patient encounters, and perceived bias in the learning environment.MethodFifteen first-year medical students completed the nine-session elective over three annual offerings. Each session lasted 1.5 hours. Curriculum development was informed by published frameworks and transformative learning theory. Direct observation of student performances in role-plays and other active learning exercises constituted the formative assessment. Program evaluation focused on the impact of instruction through pre- and posttests, along with analysis of notes taken by the investigative team, including notes on formative assessments.ResultsStudents engaged with all aspects of instruction, including role-plays. Pretest/posttest results demonstrated increased self-reported knowledge and comfort in addressing perceived bias. Formative assessment demonstrated students' skill development in safely and respectfully addressing perceived bias in the learning environment without endangering their relationships with supervisors.DiscussionSkills developed—addressing bias in interpersonal encounters and perceived bias in clinical and teaching encounters—are relevant to learners throughout their careers. This course is relevant to medical students and trainees at various experience levels and could serve as a template for novel, skills-based curricula across health professions.

It Can Be Done! A Skills-Based Elective in Implicit Bias Recognition and Management for Preclinical Medical Students.

Students perceive bias in learning environments. Curricula targeting implicit bias recognition and management increase student awareness and achieve strategy identification, but fall short of actual skill development to address bias. In light of this gap, the authors developed and evaluated a skills-based elective to recognize and manage implicit bias in the learning environment. Nine 1.5-hour sessions were delivered to 15 first-year medical students from 2017 to 2019. An evidence-based conceptual framework and transformative learning theory informed the instructional design; it incorporated active learning exercises. Skills assessment occurred through direct observation of student performances in role-play exercises. Using thematic analysis, the authors conducted a program evaluation based on focus groups with students and data from notes taken by the investigative team. Students engaged with all aspects of instruction, including role-plays. Authors identified 3 themes from the program evaluation: (1) Student engagement can be enhanced, (2) Instruction is empowering, and (3) It (addressing bias in one's own and witnessed encounters) can be done! Analysis additionally highlighted opportunities for improvement and lessons learned. This innovative course achieved skill development and practice for medical students in implicit bias recognition and management as it pertains to 3 facets of clinical care present at every stage of a health professional's career. These include interpersonal encounters, advocating for patients when bias is perceived in witnessed encounters with peers and supervisors, and addressing comments made by others within the learning environment. Outcomes could inform novel, skills-based curricula across the spectrum of health professions training and practice.