Upskilling of pharmacy faculty in an accredited institution through modular training in strategic education practices with formative and summative assessments

Abstract

Aim: To study the impact of Modular Faculty training on the attitude of faculty, motivation towards self–directed learning and team learning. Train the faculty on new teaching and learning tools and assessment. Assess the faculty continuously and after the completion of the training and distribute certificates as per the requirements informed in advance. Materials and Methods: Thirty two (32) faculty of an accredited college were enrolled in a 4 credit course consisting of 15 Modules with 60 contact hr workshop based program spread over about 06 months or 01 semester. Each workshop was of 4 to 5 hr face to face interaction, including pre and post-tests, activities, presentations, discussions, reflections, flash card PPT and feedback. Important modules included were how to write good Learning Outcomes, Problem Based Learning (PBL), Blooms taxonomy, Soft skills, Leadership, Quality assurance and Academic advising to name a few. Formative assessment of 60% included Quiz, Assignment and mid module exam and summative assessment consisted of end module exam for 40% with MCQ’s and RRE’s (Restricted Response Essay). A minimum of 70 % was assigned a C grade, 80% for B grade and 90% and above for A grade. Results: Twenty-seven faculty (27), 84% completed the training and were awarded the certificate at a public function. Participants rated the program as effective, useful and need based. Average age of faculty in Indian pharmacy colleges is 32 to 34 and without any formal training in teaching and learning. Conclusion: Average pretest score in all the training modules was 4.2 and in post-tests the score rose to 9.6, indicating very clearly that training and upskilling was effective and raised the knowledge, skill and attitude of the participants. Institution paid a nominal fee for the training program, assessment and certification. As of now, in India there is no formal, modular and certificate based training imparted to faculty in about 2000 pharmacy colleges. If they are trained and upskilled, they will be able to impart more effective education and thereby transform the teaching and learning process in the pharmacy colleges.