Using Kirkpatrick Four Level Evaluation Model to Assess English for Medical Purposes Courses—A Case Study at a Medical School

Abstract

English for Medical Purposes (EMP) courses have become increasingly popular in medical education, as they offer students the necessary language skills and cultural competency to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. However, evaluating the effectiveness of such courses can be challenging. This study used the Kirkpatrick Four Level Evaluation Model to assess the impact of EMP courses on medical students. The Kirkpatrick model is a widely used evaluation framework that assesses the effectiveness of training programs on four levels: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of EMP courses on medical students' English language proficiency, communication skills, and cultural competence. This research used a case study approach at a medical school, with data collected from students, instructors, and program administrators. The findings of the study suggest that the EMP courses were effective in improving students' language proficiency, communication skills, and cultural competence. Positive outcomes were observed across all four levels of the Kirkpatrick Model. The study's recommendations for future EMP course development and evaluation include the use of more rigorous research designs, the development of standardized evaluation tools, and the inclusion of long-term follow-up to assess the sustainability of the courses' impact.