Innovations in education: a case study of a novel teaching/learning format.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an innovative teaching/learning option that engages the student as an active learner without compromising the financial advantages of large group/classroom teaching.


METHODS
A case study is used to demonstrate an innovative teaching/learning format. The content of the case study is based upon the identification of referral criteria at the patient-health care system interface. The learning experience consists of a quiz followed by class discussion.


METHODS
A convenience sample of final-year chiropractic and osteopathy students at RMIT.


CONCLUSIONS
The case study demonstrates how this format may be used to create an environment in which each student is personally confronted by the necessity to reach a decision about referring a patient on the basis of the information provided. Having engaged each student in the decision-making process, this format then provides an opportunity for self-assessment and the enunciation of general guidelines during class discussion. An additional demonstrable benefit of this teaching/learning strategy is the lecturer's enhanced awareness of the learning needs of the student group.


CONCLUSIONS
The format proposed provides an additional option for teaching/learning that is acceptable to students and is consistent with the need to contain costs, maintain standards and conform to the requirements of a competency-based curriculum.
Jamison
J R
JR
Diagnostic Sciences, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
D001315:Australia; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000193:education*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000193:education*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D012494:Sampling Studies