Journal of Advances in Education Research

Using Learning Communities to Successfully Navigate through the Stages of Graduate Education at a Small Medical School

Download PDF (681.3 KB) PP. 59 - 66 Pub. Date: February 1, 2018

DOI: 10.22606/jaer.2018.31006

Author(s)

Karen Russell Randall
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, United States
Danita Eatman
Department of Medical Education and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, United States
Ashley Kennedy Mitchell
Quality Enhancement Plan, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, United States
MSPH, Meryl McNeal^*
Department of Medical Education and Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine and Quality Enhancement Plan, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, United States

Abstract

New students are often challenged with the transition from undergraduate to graduate school. To enhance student progress and success, Learning Communities (LCs) were established at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in 2012. The LC’s purpose is to form a supportive learning environment that encourages student connectivity to faculty and peers and promotes graduate school completion. Students were divided into LCs by degree programs and then further divided into stages. Year 1 sessions focused on topics related to students’ transition from undergraduate to graduate school. Sessions were faculty-facilitated and student led, with 2 peer mentors. Students completed assessments at individual sessions, mid-year, and end of year. Data from Academic Years 2012-2015 indicated 100% of PhD 1 LC respondents and 82% of MSBR 1 LC respondents report participating in Learning Communities was an overall good/outstanding experience. Based on preliminary data, more students are meeting degree requirements on the designated timeline.

Keywords

Underrepresented minority students, mentoring, learning communities, training biomedical students, learning environment

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