Context:
My work is in the Health Sciences Faculty in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department. I facilitate workshops in health and human rights for all medical students in Years 3,4, and 5, although it involves five blocks of about 40 students rather than whole class sessions. The theme moves from developing a meaningful understanding of the link between health and human rights, to recognition that abuse happens in the workplace/healthcare delivery to a new workshop on sexual and gender minorities with the more senior students. This teaching is about critically exploring multiple knowledges and experiences towards advocacy for social justice.
Challenge:
After introducing topics to the students, they go away and work on their class presentation in their small groups for sharing 6 -8 weeks later. Although this classroom interaction at the presentation session is very fruitful and promotes good discussion, I recognize that a window into students' small group discussions and preparation of their work would be valuable.
In addition, I've struggled to find a way to assess students in a meaningful way. How do you measure "opening their eyes" to alternative worldviews?
Intended outcome:
- Engagement in the student preparation without too much time commitment
- Opportunities for assessment
- Perhaps collaboration with an expert in the field.
- I'm keen to find ways to share the products of the students' work beyond the one classroom activity.
