Minutes from 06-9-11 meeting

I wanted to add a few comments to the curriculum review and didn't know where to jump in so here it goes...

I am currently taking a Epi and Biostats class for my MPH dual degree. Both of these classes are delivered completely online and of high quality. I strongly believe a biostats class should be added to the curriculum or to the pre-reqs. As the CVM promotes Evidence Based Medicine this is a required tool. Also the Epi class is of better quality than the Vet Epi I took in 2nd year. Both of these courses would meet the objective of reducing class/lecture time.

One of my biggest frustrations with Vet school has been the focus on memorizing facts to regurgitate on exams instead of a focus on becoming a better medical problem solver and utilizing resources. For me, memorization requires repetition and private study time. The enormous amount of class / lecture time competes with these objectives. Many students don't learn most effectively through lecture but this system favors students with this one learning style. I also find that some professors choose to penalize students who do not attend lecture by having clicker points or detailed information that is not within notes that are on exams. In this kind of professional program shouldn't the focus be on learning and meeting objectives not necessarily attendance?

I hope this is helpful.