Publication: Developing tool and Measuring Integration Characteristics of Basic Science Curriculum to Improve Curriculum Integration
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Integrated curriculum enhances students’ learning and the retention of knowledge.
At Patan Academy of Health Sciences, integrated organ system based curriculum
is used with Problem Based Learning as the principle teaching learning method
to foster students’ learning. In addition, other approaches of integration were
under taken such as integrated assessment; logical arrangement teaching learning
methods (lectures and practicals); joint effort of faculty in curriculum planning and
delivery; conducive environment to foster hidden curriculum. This study describes
the perception of faculty and students on integration characteristics of Basic Science
curriculum.
Objective
To measure the integration characteristics of Basic Science Curriculum.
Method
Tool was developed to measure integration characteristics of Basic Science Curriculum
and ensure whether such planned integration has been achieved. Mixed method was
used to measure the perception of the integration characteristics i) quantitatively by
questionnaire survey to faculty and students ii) qualitatively by in-depth interview
of students.
Result
Both faculty and students perceived that all the blocks in Basic Science was well
integrated in the quantitative questionnaire survey. But, in the in-depth interview,
students perceived integration of curriculum in organ system blocks were better
integrated compared to Principle of Human Biology blocks where fundamentals
of basic science disciplines were delivered. Students reflected that Problem Based
Learning not only integrated Basic Science disciplines but also with clinical sciences
and the social context. But, students perceived that Community Health Sciences
curriculum was not so well integrated with Basic Science subjects.
Conclusion
Overall, this study showed that planned integration in Basic Science curriculum was
successfully executed during curriculum implementation.
KEY WORDS
Basic Science, Integration characteristic, Integrated curriculum, PBL
Description
Maharjan BR,1 Bhandary S,2 Upadhyay S,2 Ghimire S,3 Shrestha I,4 Joshi M,5 Vaidya S,6 Pradhan P7
1Department of Biochemistry,
2Department of Community Health Sciences,
3Department of Anatomy,
4Department of Physiology,
5Department of Pharmacology,
6Department of Pathology,
7Department of Microbiology,
School of Medicine, Patan Academy of Health Sciences,
Lagankhel-5, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Keywords
Basic Science, Integration characteristic, Integrated curriculum, PBL