The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66129

Ian Lapp, PhD, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10032, 212-305-1204, IL2011@columbia.edu

In the accreditation criteria laid out by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) they note that “stating intended learning outcomes provides direction for teaching, sets the necessary foundation for assessment of learning, conveys instructional intent to others, and serves as an implicit contract between teacher and student.” Implementing learning objectives at the course level is a difficult task for many faculty and linking these objectives to the curricular goals is an even greater institutional challenge. All learning objectives should be specific, measurable and written in behavioral terms. Learning objectives are not statements of topics to be covered, not statements of learning activities, and not statements about the teaching methods. Instead, learning objectives describe what the student will do when they have reached a specific level of competency with a skill or subject. Using a case method, this presentation will explore the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health’s successful and ongoing initiative to refine, organize and develop learning objectives at the course, department and school-wide level for the master’s and doctoral programs. This session will discuss individual, cultural and structural changes taking place at the school that provide a framework for rethinking how to promote curriculum and faculty development in schools of public health.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the bridges and barriers to successful use of an learning outcomes approach to teaching and learning.
• Assess specific school and department structures that can be used more effectively to promote positive changes in curriculum development.
• Implement a strategy for integrating learning objectives into course and program development.

Keywords: Accreditation, Curricula

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.