Opportunities
Award-winning educator to present on curricular integration
Aug. 8, 2013
A key component of the curricular reform effort at IU is enhanced integration between the foundational and clinical sciences. The essential characteristics of the new curriculum include transition courses, longitudinal clinical experiences, and foundational science throughout.
Carol Nichols, Ph.D., associate professor of cellular biology and anatomy at Georgia Regents University, will visit IU to support this approach with an open workshop from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23, in Walther Hall (R3), rooms 303 and 305. Registration is online.
Carol Nichols, Ph.D.
The session will focus on using active learning strategies to promote the integration of foundational science and clinical skills. The event will take place, and is available to attend, via Polycom.
“Dr. Nichols’ visit is coming at a great time in our work to create the new curriculum,” said Maryellen Gusic, M.D., executive association dean for education affairs and Dolores and John Read Professor of Medical Education and of pediatrics.
“The course development teams are having truly exciting conversations about the best ways to design the learning activities in our new courses and team members are challenging each other in discussions about the most effective strategies to teach and assess the competencies.
“This workshop will provide us with the opportunity to learn from a colleague who has experience in developing and implementing integrated courses. Her ‘lessons learned’ will be invaluable as we advance the plans for the new IU School of Medicine statewide curriculum,” she added.
Dr. Nichols will also meet with the curriculum Course Development Teams to brainstorm active learning techniques, discuss the impact of curricular reform, and troubleshoot challenges that may arise in planning integrated courses
An expert in active learning techniques, Dr. Nichols has developed an elective designed for junior and senior medical students who are interested in peer mentoring in the anatomy lab environment. Her research centers on innovative course development and design and the effectiveness of both.
Dr. Nichols is a past recipient of the Medical College of Georgia Distinguished Faculty Award for basic science teaching.
