Students in the MD program are expected to be adaptive, self-directed learners who can capably integrate what they know and apply their knowledge clinically. This cognitive process may occur independently during and following an academic lecture; likewise, it may occur during and following interactions with others. Teaching and learning in the MD program includes required activities such as academic lectures, formative and summative assessments, small group discussions, laboratory sessions and clinical experiences. Additional optional activities are also available: open lab hours, faculty office hours, peer-to-peer facilitated reviews and academic support seminars. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many varied opportunities for learning and academic development that are available to them. Most students matriculate into the traditional, Live Lecture-based Delivery track (LLD) of the MD curriculum. While lectures are the foundation of this delivery format, approximately 50% of contact hours are in small groups and laboratories where students have opportunities for faculty interaction, collaborative learning and academic support.
The ITI utilizes an instructional pedagogy that provides interaction with faculty and incorporates frequent collaborative active learning based on videos of lectures. The small group discussion and lab components are identical to the traditional LLD delivery track. Students’ progress through ITI in an instructor-guided small-group setting Multiple choice questions, discussions and clinical cases introduced at key points during the ITI review of lectures serve as catalysts for the clarification of concepts. The instructors of the small groups ensure that all questions raised by students are effectively addressed in the ITI session. The ITI incorporates academic support through Learning Strategies Seminars given by the Department of Educational Services (DES) and individual Learning Strategies Advising meetings.