title: Evaluation of a Teaching Assistant Program for Third-Year Pharmacy Students.
abstract: Objectives.To determine if a teaching assistant (TA) program for third-year pharmacy students (PY3s) improves confidence in teaching abilities. Additionally, 3 assessment methods (faculty, student, and TA self-evaluations) were compared for similarities and correlations.Methods.An application and interview process was used to select 21 pharmacy students to serve as TAs for the Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory course for 2 semesters. Participants' self-perceived confidence in teaching abilities was assessed at the start, midpoint, and conclusion of the program. The relationships between the scores were analyzed using 3 assessment methods.Results.All 21 TAs agreed to participate in the study and completed the 2 teaching semesters. The TAs confidence in overall teaching abilities increased significantly (80.7 vs 91.4,p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the three assessment scores in the fall (p=0.027) and spring (p<0.001) semesters. However, no correlation was found among the assessment scores.Conclusions.The TA program was effective in improving confidence in teaching abilities. The lack of correlation among the assessment methods highlights the importance of various forms of feedback.
authors.affiliation: Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Courtney L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.affiliation: School of Information and Library Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Khanova
authors.affiliation: LECOM Bradenton School of Pharmacy, Bradenton, Florida.
authors.forename: Kelly L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Scolaro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D000071216:Faculty, Pharmacy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012649:Self Concept; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D013663:Teaching; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: pharmacy education; skills lab; teaching assistants; teaching evaluations