Lessons Learned from Evaluating a Process for Systematic Curriculum Review

A Systematic Approach to Nursing Curriculum Review Made Easier

The Nursing Curriculum Committee has a critical role in improving the quality of nursing programs and ensuring that standards from accreditation agencies and professional organizations are met. The work of the committee also presents opportunities for faculty to confirm that programs meet the needs of the community and address current trends. A systematic schedule for review helps with organization and ensures that all courses and programs are reviewed. Developing a systematic approach and sharing this information with faculty allows for a transparent method of reviewing courses and programs, as well as preparing faculty for their role in this process.

Using technology to automate syllabus construction for programmatic, curricular, faculty and experiential assessment activities

Purpose

With a growing need to assess multiple aspects of healthcare education, the goal of this study was to develop an innovative web-based application to streamline assessment processes and meet the increasingly complex role of the educational manager.

Design/methodology/approach

AARDVARC (Automated Approach to Reviewing and Developing Valuable Assessment Resources for your Curriculum) was created with the core function of standardizing course syllabi through the use of a web-based portal and the ability to query fields within the portal to collect multiple points of data. AARDVARC permits quick and efficient gathering of programmatic, curricular, faculty, teaching, preceptor and financial data to facilitate meaningful change and a shared responsibility of assessment. This software has allowed automatic completion of complex analytics each semester, including coverage of program outcomes, course learning objectives, teaching and assessment methods, course readings, topics covered in the curriculum, faculty teaching hours, experiential activities, coverage of disease states and scheduling of peer observation of teaching.

Findings

Three years after its initial launch, AARDVARC is now used by 520 faculty, 60 staff, 44 preceptors and over 2,000 students across multiple health profession and science programs. Data analytics through AARDVARC have allowed the School to reimagine how assessment can be conducted and have provided a pathway for making evidence-based programmatic and curricular changes.

Originality/value

This original software has provided an innovative approach to conduct assessment that combines best practices in curriculum, assessment, data analytics and educational technology while improving the overall quality, speed, and efficiency of academic and business operations.