title: The impact of elective active-learning courses in pregnancy/lactation and pediatric pharmacotherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To implement and evaluate the impact of 2 elective courses, Pregnancy & Lactation and Pediatrics on student acquisition of knowledge and development of lifelong learning skills related to these special populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two 3-credit elective courses were implemented using various student-driven learning techniques, such as case-based exercises, group presentations, pro-con debates, and pharmacist "grab bag" questions. Strong emphasis was placed on medication literature retrieval and analysis, and a wiki was used to create an electronic resource for longitudinal use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pre- and post-course tests showed significant improvement in knowledge related to pregnancy, lactation, and pediatrics. Pre- and post-course confidence and ratings on satisfaction survey tools also revealed significant improvement in several domains relating to lifelong-learning skills, knowledge related to medication use within these special populations, use of technology to enhance learning, and overall course design.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combination of student-directed learning techniques used in 2 pediatric-concentration courses is an effective teaching model.
authors.affiliation: Mylan School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA. elliott3@duq.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer Padden
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Pamela Hucko
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Koerner
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heasley
authors.forename: Khalid M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kamal
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D004358:Drug Therapy; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010372:Pediatrics; D010595:Pharmacists; D011247:Pregnancy; D018794:Problem-Based Learning