title: Evaluating student perceptions of a learner-centered drug literature evaluation course.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate pharmacy students' perceptions of a drug literature evaluation course implementing learner-centered teaching principles.
  
  
  METHODS
  A drug literature evaluation course was redesigned to create a more learner-centered course through the inclusion of optional assignments, self-reflection opportunities, and a point-based grading system. A questionnaire was developed to assess student perceptions of the course and preferences for the learner-centered approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred two questionnaires were returned (94.4% response rate). The most highly rated items were those related to student control in determining their overall grade (4.7 +/- 0.6; mean +/- SD), less pressure to perform well on every examination or assignment (4.5 +/- 0.9), and a less stressful learning environment (4.4 +/- 1.0). Eighty-eight percent of students found that completing the optional assignments helped reinforce material presented in class.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Learner-centered methods were viewed favorably by students. The effects of learner-centered teaching on pharmacy education deserve further study.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. seharpe@vcu.edu
authors.forename: Spencer E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Harpe
authors.forename: Lisa B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Phipps