Incorporating practical application in graduate introductory public health courses

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the utility of a redesigned course assessment in a required, introductory Master of Public Health (MPH) course to demonstrate competency achievement through practical application. School of public health curricula are informed by competency-based education (CBE) to prepare students for the field. This is a challenge in introductory courses as traditional assessments do not translate into practical application of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This retrospective post-test-only evaluation examined a practice-based, multi-disciplinary assessment utilized in Fall 2014 (n = 63 students). Web-based surveys were administered three months after the course to participating students (n = 33), the teaching team or teaching teams (n = 7) and organization representatives (n = 3) to evaluate the utility of the assessment. Questions were analyzed descriptively using chi-square tests, where applicable responses were compared across groups.

Findings

Results indicate that a practice-based assessment in an introductory MPH course may enhance student learning by fostering deeper appreciation and application of course content while more closely reflecting the collaborative, multi-disciplinary and problem-solving nature of practice. The assessment may also increase the depth of competency achievement and career preparedness.

Practical implications

Institutions that are guided by CBE, train students for multi-disciplinary practice and are impacted by the changing landscape of the field may want to consider course assessments that mimic practice to best prepare students.

Originality/value

Course assessments should be evaluated to ensure they appropriately measure competency achievement. This evaluation provides multiple perspectives on the process and outcome of a practice-based course assessment.

Citation

Greece, J.A., Patterson, J.G., Kensky, S.A. and Festa, K. (2015), "Incorporating practical application in graduate introductory public health courses", On the Horizon, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 309-322. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-05-2015-0021