Applying principles from "Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians" to teaching chemistry in the department of medicine at Chang Gung University.
Similar to the current trends in America that were recognized by the Association of American Medical College and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in their 2009 report titled "Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians," Taiwanese medical students are lacking in their ability to apply their knowledge of basic sciences to real-life situations. The report recommended developing a competency-based approach to learning and also called for an increase in integrated and interdisciplinary courses in the education of medical students. Such a class, which would encourage students to look at biological concepts through chemical and physical principles, has been developed at Chang Gung University, and it strives to develop the medical student's ability to work in groups, think critically, and clearly and convincingly present ideas. The course requires students to present biological topics in groups after working closely with a teacher, and it trains the students to identify useful and trustworthy sources, to constructively criticize each other, and work together to present a cohesive and informative presentation for their peers. From my teaching experience, classes such as this have led me to conclude that the teacher's role does not simply encompass that of the informant, but also the facilitator of the academic success of the students, and this has led me to create certain class policies for teachers that help students of any field success in class.
Chemistry Division, Center for General Education, Chang Gung University, Taiwan. blou@mail.cgu.edu.tw
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D002621:Chemistry / Q000193:education*; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013337:Students, Medical; D013624:Taiwan; D013663:Teaching; D014495:Universities