Course Evaluation Process Overview

Course evaluation uses an eight-step process to examine how the design and organization of courses and their content helps medical students learn.

This process is in place to ensure that student and faculty feedback is considered when the course director plans for the next iteration or round of a given class. If a course is offered multiple times in one academic year, steps 3 – 8 occur after the last iteration of the course in the academic year and once student feedback is combined.

Step 1. Survey Creation

The course director develops up to 10 questions that are specific to the course, relevant, and capable of providing data that can inform course improvement. OUME evaluation staff combines these course-specific questions with standard course evaluation questions. For courses occurring multiple times in the same academic year, the same survey is launched each time the course ends.

Step 2. Survey Distribution

The survey is automatically distributed to enrolled students on the final day of the course along with one email reminder.

Step 3. Student Review

A member of the Student Curriculum Committee (SCC) independently reviews the survey data in aggregate and submits feedback that pinpoints course strengths and opportunities for growth or development.

Step 4. Course Director Review

The course director also independently reviews the aggregate course evaluation data and identifies strengths and opportunities for growth or development. In addition, the course director reflects on a series of questions related to assessment and other accreditation requirements.

Step 5. External Faculty Review

A faculty member external to the course independently reviews the syllabus and the aggregate survey data to submit course strengths and opportunities for growth or development.

Step 6. Phase Team Review

The phase leadership team meets with the course director and other reviewers to discuss their findings. The phase leader submits written recommendations for actionable changes in the form of a Phase Team Report. A single meeting may review multiple courses from the same phase to facilitate meaningful discussion and continuous quality improvement.

Step 7. UMEC Review

The Undergraduate Medical Education Committee (UMEC) reviews the Phase Team Report and provides feedback as needed.

Step 8. Implementation of Changes

The Phase leadership team meets directly with the course director to discuss any course improvements and timelines before the next academic year. The course director then implements appropriate changes.