16 - Pre-Clerkship Student Workload Policy

Purpose

In order to ensure a manageable workload and adequate time for self-directed and independent study during the pre-clerkship phase, this policy outlines the time expectations for in-class and out-of-class activities.

Overview

DGSOM aims to build foundational knowledge while fostering lifelong learning in students by combining in-class activities supplemented by guided self-directed learning opportunities. The pre-clerkship faculty and staff ensure a manageable workload by monitoring the weekly required coursework as well as the time that students are expected to spend mastering the curricular material. The Course and Theme Chairs work together in adjusting required activities and assignments in order to avoid exceeding the time expectations for curricular activities. These activities are regularly reassessed and adjusted based on evaluation data and student feedback. This policy is reviewed annually to ensure adherence.

Related LCME Standard: 8.8 Monitoring Student Time

The medical school faculty committee responsible for the medical curriculum and the program’s administration and leadership ensure the development and implementation of effective policies and procedures regarding the amount of time medical students spend in required activities, including the total number of hours medical students are required to spend in clinical and educational activities during clerkships.

Policy

• Estimated total workload for each course block in the pre-clerkship curriculum should not exceed 60 hours per week.
• Total workload hours include all scheduled in-class activities, required out-of-class activities, exams and an estimate of the time needed to achieve learning goals each week.

Procedures

1. The following formula should be used for calculating workload: all required curricular activities (in- and out-of-class) with the exception of EACE, preceptorship, review sessions, games, or grand finales should be multiplied by 2 to provide an estimate of total time needed to master the material.   EACE sessions and preceptorship should be multiplied by 1.5. Review sessions, games and grand finales should have their hours added in without a multiplier.  After using these multipliers, the hours for the week should be totaled.  Add in time for assigned Self-Assessments (1 hour per week). Exam weeks should include study time at 3x length of exam. For example, at least 3 hours of study time should be allotted for a 1-hour examination.
2. For each course, the chairs or directors working with curricular affairs staff will be responsible for tracking weekly workload estimates across all elements and adjusting so as not to exceed 60 hours.
3. Workload hours will be discussed as part of the annual course evaluation process.
4. Student perceptions of workload will be monitored in feedback sessions with Students, Course Chairs or Directors, Curricular Affairs Leadership and the Educational Measurement Unit. These comparisons will help assess efficacy and appropriateness of policy.
5. Workload calculations do not include additional activities created for students in special tracks (e.g. PRIME, MSTP). Communication with program directors and awareness of the medical school curriculum plan is important to ensure overall expectations of these students are reasonable. Overall workload for any student in a special track is not to exceed 80 hours per week.

Accountable Dean or Director: Assistant Dean for Pre-clerkship Curriculum/Associate Dean for Curriculum

Approved by MEC August 2021