FACULTY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT DIFFICULTIES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF NEWLY INTRODUCED INTEGRATED CURRICULUM FOR BASIC SCIENCES IN KING EDWARD MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perceptions of basic sciences faculty about the integrated curriculum.

Study Design: Sequential mixed method study.

Place and Duration of Study: King Edward Medical University Lahore, from Oct to Dec 2017.

Methodology: A 15-item survey was utilized as quantitative information collection device that gave the numerical depiction of the patterns, views or conclusions of the participants. In-depth interviews were done after survey as a tool of qualitative data collection to investigate beliefs and explore the attitudes.

Results: All ninety three faculty members of basic sciences in medical college were contacted and survey response rate was 96.77% (90/93). 97% of faculty members had awareness about curricular integration; but majority (56%) had concerns about its appropriate implementation. Majority agreed that integration was beneficial for students‟ learning. They were satisfied with its design and relevance. Major considerations were correct implementation and lack of coaching in adopting new teaching methods and educational approaches.

Conclusion: Curriculum integration is useful and essential in student‟s learning but training is necessary in its planning and execution. Current negative perceptions need to be addressed through further research.