Weekly rotation of facilitators to improve assessment of group participation in a problem-based learning curriculum.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether implementing a rotating facilitator structure provides a reliable method of assessing group participation and assigning grades to third-professional year pharmacy students in a problem-based learning curriculum.


METHODS
In the 2004-2005 school year, a "one block, one facilitator" structure was replaced by a "weekly rotating facilitator" structure. Each student received a grade from the assigned facilitator each week. The 8 weekly grades were then averaged for a final course grade. Student grades were reviewed weekly and at the end of each block. Facilitators and students completed survey instruments at the end of each of four 8-week blocks.


RESULTS
Student grades were reviewed, and the class average was compared to the class averages from the 2 previous years. For example, in block I the class average was 86 which compared to averages of 88 and 87 for 2002-03 and 2003-04 respectively. Survey data revealed a 40% agreement by facilitators in block I that student performance was improved compared to student performance prior to this change. This agreement increased to 71%, 72%, and 71% respectively for blocks II - IV. Student survey data at the end of the academic year supported weekly facilitator rotation and revealed that a majority of students agreed that exposure to a variety of facilitators enhanced their group participation.


CONCLUSIONS
As confirmed by student grades and student and faculty members' feedback, the change to a rotating facilitator structure resulted in a reliable method of assigning student grades for group participation.
Hogan
Shirley
S
University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. shogan@pharmacy.umsmed.edu
Adcock
Kim G
KG
D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D013997:Time Factors