Policy Number: CU.06.01.170530
Applies to: All medical students enrolled in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Date: 8/01/2023
1.0 Policy Introduction
It is the policy of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine to ensure that the medical curriculum includes regularly scheduled class time and unscheduled time for self-directed learning experiences and independent learning activities.
1.1 Policy Statement
Maximum average of 25 hours of regularly scheduled learning activities, required and optional attendance, in formal educational settings per week over the course of an academic year.
Maximum average of 15 hours of required attendance regularly scheduled learning activities in formal educational settings per week over the course of an academic year.
Maximum average of 8 hours of required independent learning activities outside of formal educational settings per week over the course of an academic year.
2.0 Definitions
2.0.1 Required Attendance Scheduled Learning Activities
Small group sessions (e.g., case-based learning, art and practice of medicine, med scholar), clinical skills practice, labs, leadership, community patient experiences, interprofessional learning sessions, and any other session involving peer-to-peer learning or interaction with patients (including standardized patients).
2.0.2 Optional Attendance Scheduled Learning Activities
Sessions, such as large group discussion and/or lectures, that provide required educational content that can also be learned through session recordings and through supplementary resources on the student’s own time schedule.
2.0.3 Unscheduled Time Is Available for the Student to Engage In
2.0.3.1 Independent Learning
Instructor- or mentor-guided required learning activities to be performed by the learner outside of formal educational settings (classroom, lab, clinic); Dedicated time on learner schedules to prepare for specific learning activities, including required assigned readings, online modules, educational videos, completion of assignments, and other required activities.
2.0.3.2 Self-Directed Learning
Learners taking the initiative for their own learning: diagnosing knowledge or clinical gaps, formulating goals, identifying resources, implementing appropriate activities, and evaluating outcomes.
3.0 Responsibilities
Associate Dean of Curriculum, Undergraduate Medical Education Committee Chair
4.0 Procedures
The Undergraduate Medical Education Committee will monitor students’ schedules and academic workload through monthly reports from the Curriculum Management Unit (CMU).
The Curriculum Management Unit monitors regularly scheduled learning activities in formal educational settings, which include, but are not limited to, large group sessions, small group learning, laboratory, simulation, interprofessional learning activities, and community-based activities. Clinical campus weeks and assessment weeks are not included in calculating the average hours in a typical week.
The Associate Dean for Curriculum monitors adherence to this policy through regular course operations.
5.0 Related Polices
N/A
6.0 Key Search Words
Academic study, in-class time, out-of-class time, self-directed study, unscheduled time, workload, independent learning, required preparation, attendance.
7.0 Revision History
Original Approval: 3/16/2017, 5/30/2017
Policy Number: CU.06.01.170316, CU.06.01.170517
Revision Date Approval: 5/30/2017, 6/21/2018, 2/07/2020, 2/08/2021, 8/01/2023