Instructor: Maggie Randazzo, PharmD, BCPS

The TJU EF/NJ PA program matriculates approximately 90 students per cohort across two campuses 25 miles apart. Cohorts include graduate entry students and 3+2 Health Sciences BS/PA Studies MS program who will progress into the PA program beginning their senior year. The program underwent a complete curriculum revision beginning Fall 2023. The revision was driven by a new mission statement, an evolution of student learning since program inception in 1995, and ballooning course load for faculty and students in response to national accreditation standards.   

The Study Skills and Stress Management module included four hours of lecture on evidence-based study strategies, adaptive learning, utilization of instructional objectives, and study plans. Students were required to self-reflect on study habits and strategies through a survey at the start of the semester. Student assessments included a take-home exam and a study schedule/plan that was submitted for credit. Additional data included the course evaluation, and the module/lecturer evaluation.   

This workshop will present an overview of lecture material and share the results of the Fall and Spring student surveys and course evaluation. The addition of four hours of study strategies appears to have empowered the students to include more active study strategies, employ time management techniques, and identify ways for self-improvement. 

At the end of this session, participants should be able to: 

1. Identify study strategies and skills for evidence-based learning in graduate medical education.   

2. Discuss the value of student self-assessment and re-assessment of study skills through surveys and study plan development.  

3. Empower faculty to incorporate study skills into courses/curriculum for this generation of learners.