In this course, students will learn about different perspectives on the nature of knowledge and evidence; and they will apply their new understanding to critique the evidence base for approaches to, and activities for, learning, teaching and assessment.

This course takes place in semester 1 and is made up of lectures and tutorials.

MED5135

Written critical appraisal that assesses understanding of alternative perspectives on knowledge and evidence in health professions education/education research (50%) - 1800 to 2500 words. (ILOs 3 and 4)

Weekly posts to online discussion forum (50%) - max 4000 words. (ILOs 1, 2, 3 and 4)

This course aims to give students the opportunity to:

1. Develop their knowledge and understanding of various perspectives on the nature of knowledge and evidence in social sciences, including education;

2. Critically appraise education literature/research data, taking into account appropriate perspectives, paradigms and criteria for evaluation.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically debate the nature of knowledge and evidence in the context of a social science such as health professions education;

2. Engage in critical debate on the evidence-base for various approaches to learning and teaching; and for specific methods in learning, teaching and assessment;

3. Critically analyse research data, in a manner consistent with the methodological approach;

4. Critical appraise and synthesise education literature/research, taking into account appropriate perspectives, paradigms and criteria for evaluation.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.