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Preorientation Curriculum: An Approach for Preparing Students with Heterogenous Backgrounds for Training in a Master of Biostatistics Program

Publication ,  Journal Article
Neely, ML; Troy, JD; Gschwind, GT; Pomann, GM; Grambow, SC; Samsa, GP
Published in: Journal of Curriculum and Teaching
January 1, 2022

We describe an innovative preorientation curriculum (POC) for a Master of Biostatistics (MB) program. The goal of the POC is to fill critical skills gaps for students entering the MB program from heterogeneous backgrounds so they are prepared to engage in the program’s rigorous, fast-paced training upon arrival. To achieve this goal, we introduce a structured approach to thinking that forms the foundation of a sound mental map of Biostatistics, which will assist students in their subsequent efforts to master the discipline. Based on constructivist principles, the POC covers mathematical and statistical theory, data analysis methods, programming, and statistical practice through a sequence of instruction that encourages reflection, extension, and connection between topics. The POC is modular, self-paced, and offered online via a cloud-hosted interactive learning management system (LMS). Students are required to complete the curriculum prior to the MB program orientation. We describe the rationale, design, features, and initial evaluation of the POC. Finally, to help programs interested in designing similar curricula, we provide a detailed instruction sequence description of one topic.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Journal of Curriculum and Teaching

DOI

EISSN

1927-2685

ISSN

1927-2677

Publication Date

January 1, 2022

Volume

11

Issue

4

Start / End Page

77 / 85

Related Subject Headings

  • 3902 Education policy, sociology and philosophy
  • 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy
  • 1399 Other Education
  • 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
 

Citation

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Chicago
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Neely, M. L., Troy, J. D., Gschwind, G. T., Pomann, G. M., Grambow, S. C., & Samsa, G. P. (2022). Preorientation Curriculum: An Approach for Preparing Students with Heterogenous Backgrounds for Training in a Master of Biostatistics Program. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 11(4), 77–85. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v11n4p77
Neely, M. L., J. D. Troy, G. T. Gschwind, G. M. Pomann, S. C. Grambow, and G. P. Samsa. “Preorientation Curriculum: An Approach for Preparing Students with Heterogenous Backgrounds for Training in a Master of Biostatistics Program.” Journal of Curriculum and Teaching 11, no. 4 (January 1, 2022): 77–85. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v11n4p77.
Neely ML, Troy JD, Gschwind GT, Pomann GM, Grambow SC, Samsa GP. Preorientation Curriculum: An Approach for Preparing Students with Heterogenous Backgrounds for Training in a Master of Biostatistics Program. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching. 2022 Jan 1;11(4):77–85.
Neely, M. L., et al. “Preorientation Curriculum: An Approach for Preparing Students with Heterogenous Backgrounds for Training in a Master of Biostatistics Program.” Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, vol. 11, no. 4, Jan. 2022, pp. 77–85. Scopus, doi:10.5430/jct.v11n4p77.
Neely ML, Troy JD, Gschwind GT, Pomann GM, Grambow SC, Samsa GP. Preorientation Curriculum: An Approach for Preparing Students with Heterogenous Backgrounds for Training in a Master of Biostatistics Program. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching. 2022 Jan 1;11(4):77–85.

Published In

Journal of Curriculum and Teaching

DOI

EISSN

1927-2685

ISSN

1927-2677

Publication Date

January 1, 2022

Volume

11

Issue

4

Start / End Page

77 / 85

Related Subject Headings

  • 3902 Education policy, sociology and philosophy
  • 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy
  • 1399 Other Education
  • 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy