Objectives To establish a course evaluation model for overseas medical students in West China Medical School of Sichuan University, to identify problems in teaching and to solve problems based on evidence so as to futher improve the quality of teaching. Methods We conducted a preliminary course evaluation to determine the limitations of our evaluation methods and to convey our intention to related stakeholders. Firstly, we identified problems in teaching according to the feedback from our students using a questionnaire. Secondly, we proposed an initial list of possible solutions to these problems based on evidence from literature searching and discussion within the Department of Teaching Affairs. We submitted the initial list to the administrative departments, teaching departments (teachers) and students to identify applicable solutions through two rounds of formal consensus. Their attitudes to this procedure of evaluation and decision-making were collected. Finally, incentives were given out by administrative departments and teaching departments to facilitate the implementation of applicable solutions. Results Teachers’ English ability and the didactic teaching methods were the most concerned problems. In addition, some semesters and courses were not well arranged and there was not enough practice time. An initial list of 14 items was submitted to teaching departments and students. They all agreed with the procedure of evaluation and decision-making. We also found that some aspects of the evaluation methods and styles need to be improved. An additional paper would report further results. Conclusion This preliminary evaluation was helpful for improving teaching and formal evaluation in the future. We need to strengthen the English language skills of younger faculty and gradually adopt a model of student-centered and enquiry-based teaching. This process of evaluation and improvement should be applied as a long-term policy and an evidence-based research group should be established to work together with our quality assurance unit.
【摘要】为顺应留学生教育规模的扩大和教学质量的稳步提升，通过几年的留学生教学实践和探索，立足留学生临床专业教育培养目标，强化课程设置、师资培养、教材建设、教学手段、教学管理等多个教学环节的建设和推进，确保留学生临床医学课程教学质量的提高和可持续发展。【Abstract】To explore a better way to improve the quality of the clinical medical teaching for foreign students in China along with the expansion of the enrollment of international medical students, some experience are summarized, which include the establishment of the international education aim, the organization of courses, training of the teachers, the selection and reinforcement of teaching material, the enrichment of teaching methods and the strengthening of teaching management.
We analysed the profiles of teaching practice in clinical diagnostics for international students in recent three years in West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University. Teaching experiences and characteristics were summarized through the following five aspects:pre-service training for all teachers, textbook selection and lesson plan formulation, teaching style and problem-based learning, as well as teaching feedback. We aimed to improve the quality of medical education for international students. Our teaching practice can offer better clinical skills and correct clinical analysis ability for international students in West China School of Medicine, which should be a great help for their further career development.
Objective To explore the application value of standardized patient (SP)-based teaching method in the teaching of medical history taking for international students. Methods During the autumn semester of 2017, 96 international medical students were randomly divided into two groups, with 48 students in the SP-based teaching group and 48 students in the conventional teaching group. The test scores of medical history taking in English in internal medical practice of the two groups were compared. The teaching feedback from the international students was collected and evaluated by online questionnaire survey. Results The scores of medical history taking examination in internal medical practice of the students using SP-based teaching method were higher than those of the students using conventional teaching method (86.5±9.7 vs.78.2±10.6), and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.983, P<0.001). According to the questionnaire analysis, in terms of whether the current teaching method could enhance learning interest, improve communication ability, promote clinical skills, train clinical thinking, and highlight humanistic care, students with positive views in the SP-based teaching group accounted for 92.86%, 97.62%, 85.71%, 90.48%, and 95.24%, respectively, while students with positive views in the conventional teaching group accounted for 90.00%, 87.50%, 82.50%, 77.50%, and 97.50%, respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions Well-trained SP has a good application value in clinical practice of internal medicine and diagnostics teaching for international students. SP-based teaching method has been accepted and supported by the majority of international medical students who have experienced it.
Objective To investigate the problems and needs of teachers and international bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (MBBS) students in the online clerkship since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019. Methods In May 2020, questionnaires, telephone communication and face-to-face interviews were conducted among 85 international MBBS students and clinical teachers of 10 related departments in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Teachers and students perceptions towards online clerkship were collected from five aspects including department orientation, attendance, teaching plan, assignment & assessment, and overall evaluation. Results Four departments and 43 students (50.6%) thought that online clerkship increased time input, while 3 departments thought that students’ enthusiasm decreased significantly compared to ordinary clerkship. Six departments reported that students’ compliance was poor; 58 students (68.2%) reported that they could not experience the real clinical environment. All departments reported difficulties in completing procedures and skills, and believed the teaching objectives were only partially achieved; 78 students (91.8%) thought that the effect of online clerkship met with their expectations; 16 students (18.8%) were very satisfied, and 59 students (69.4%) were satisfied. The majority of students believed that the advantages of online clerkship were that they had more time to prepare for their licensing examination [66 students (77.6%)] and could ask questions online at any time [48 students (56.5%)]. Conclusions There are both pros and cons in the online clerkship. It has put forward higher requirements for the efficiency and accuracy of English communication between teachers and students, and for the self-restraint and discipline of students. Under the current global epidemic situation, we should make full use of the information technology to constantly strengthen the practical education.