In May 2007, a two-day workshop was held at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) that focused on assessment in the medical school. The agenda for the workshops was developed in collaboration with the Dean of the medical school and the topics addressed included 1) the mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX), 2) the structured oral examination, 3) setting standards, and 4) the assessment of professionalism. Ara Tekian, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medical Education and Director of International Affairs in the Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois at Chicago, and John Norcini, Ph.D., FAIMER President, conducted the workshops.
Approximately 40 JUST medical school faculty members attended the workshops, representing all of the basic and clinical departments as well as the administration. The workshops included large and small group discussions, role playing, and analysis of videotaped examinations. Throughout the small group sessions, participants were given the opportunity to apply their newly acquired concepts in their own environment and reflect on their applicability and usefulness.
During the two days, the participants were encouraged to ask questions about these or other relevant assessment topics in both the undergraduate and postgraduate arenas. Participants were also given an opportunity at the end of the workshop to reflect and develop an action plan for both the short and the long term.
Improvements in the assessment system at JUST might have a positive influence well beyond the medical school. JUST is one of the leading institutions in Jordan and advances are likely to be noted by others in the region.
As a side benefit of the workshop, the faculty met with the Jordanian Medical Council and presented information on assessment in the postgraduate setting.
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(posted June 11, 2007; updated March 17, 2008)
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