Call for Proposals

Join us in Sarasota, FL!

Cornell bell tower

(Re)Assessing Assessment: Considerations for Clinical Competence and Curriculum

January 12-14, 2024
Sarasota, Florida

Proposals due by November 6, 2023. Submit to: Katherine Edmondson

A conference hosted by: The Cornell Veterinary Educators Academy
The Office of Outreach in Health Profession Education at the College of Veterinary Medicine



Call for Proposals

The Cornell Veterinary Educators Academy’s next conference “(Re)Assessing Assessment: Considerations for Clinical Competence and Curriculum,” will be held January 12-14, 2024 in Sarasota, FL.
 
The conference theme will focus on assessment, particularly within the context of a competency-based curriculum. Assessing clinical reasoning, communication and professionalism present challenges that differ from those focused on assessing technical skills. Together, we will consider questions such as: What approaches are most successful for teaching “invisible” skills such as professionalism and clinical reasoning? When students’ performance does not meet expectations, what sorts of remediation are most effective? How much is enough, and are the results reliable? What biases underlie assessment of these more complex skills? Are some formats better than others? Are there (or what are) the tensions between global ratings, checklists, and formative or summative feedback? Keynote speakers will address these and related topics to stimulate our thinking and frame continued discussion.
 
The conference will provide an environment in which participants can showcase their work and exchange ideas. It will include sessions in a variety of formats, and will be structured to encourage formal and informal discussions among those with similar interests.

Proposal Submission:
Proposals focusing on topics such as innovative approaches for increasing student engagement, narrative medicine, curriculum design, and strategies for supporting the development of lifelong learning and clinical skills are encouraged.

Preference will be given to proposals that address problems of significance to veterinary education, are clear and concise, and based upon principles of teaching and learning that are supported by the educational research literature.

Please submit a proposal in one or one more of the format categories described below. Authors are asked to consider (but are not limited to) the following topics as they prepare proposals:

  • Curriculum designs that promote student reflection and self-regulated learning strategies
  • Changes in veterinary students’ approaches to learning as they transition to the clinical learning environment
  • The role of humanities in promoting reflection in medical education
  • Teaching approaches that encourage students’ metacognition, clinical reasoning, and deepen understanding
  • The relationship between self-regulated learning and mental wellbeing
  • Leveraging unique attributes of the clinical environment to promote reflection and development of self-regulated, lifelong learning skills
  • Supporting student achievement through the use of metacognitive strategies
  • The role of peers and others in developing self-regulated learning skills

Presentation Categories (details below):

  • Descriptive Session
  • Workshop
  • Panel Discussion
  • Educational Innovations “Speed Dating”

Descriptive Sessions:

Descriptive Sessions provide overviews or results of projects, programs, or strategies. The Program Committee will identify and group common topics among the selected proposals. A moderator will be chosen to coordinate the presentations and help facilitate discussion and exchange between the audience and presenters. Each Descriptive Session will include several 10-15 minute presentations with time allotted for audience discussion and exchange.

Submit a structured proposal in 800 words or less that includes the sections described below. To ensure blind review, please do not include any identifying information (persons, institutions, etc.).

  • Introduction: Describe the background, literature review, and/or needs assessment
  • Program: Describe the methods of the study or the design of your program or project
  • Results: Display and discuss the results of your data analysis or the evaluation of your project or program
  • Closure: Conclude with a summary, conclusions, implications, and/or caveats

  • Reference List: List of relevant references used to place the proposed presentation in the context of current thought and practice. This does not count toward the proposal word limit.
  • Abstract: Provide an abstract of the session in 50 words or less. If accepted, this abstract will be included in the conference program.

Duration: 10-15 minute presentations in 60 minute sessions

Workshop:

Workshops are instructional sessions in which presenters teach particular skills or techniques. The session should accomplish specific learning objectives designed to provide participants with increased competence in an area of veterinary medical education. The session should include opportunities for practice and feedback. When this is not possible, the sessions must include time to discuss how skills can be applied in the participants' work settings.

Submit a structured proposal in 800 words or less that includes the sections described below. To ensure blind review, please do not include any identifying information (persons, institutions, etc.).

  • Proposed Skill: Clearly describe the skill you propose that the participants will learn during the session.
  • Rationale/Background: Why is the proposed skill one that veterinary educators need? What is the background and significance of your proposal?
  • Learning Activities: Exactly how will you involve the participants in skill development (e.g., role-plays, paper cases, videos, etc.)? How much time will you allot to each activity of the proposed session?
  • Reference List: List of relevant references used to place the proposed presentation in the context of current thought and practice. This does not count toward the proposal word limit.
  • Abstract: Provide an abstract of the session in 50 words or less. If accepted, this abstract will be included in the conference program.

Duration: 90 minutes

Panel Discussion:

A Panel Discussion features several individuals presenting their ideas regarding a specific issue or topic and responding to questions. A moderator will facilitate panel comments and audience participation. Proposals for Panel Discussions should include identification of all panelists by role/title (not name or institution), an abstract by each panelist to clarify their perspective on the topic, anticipated total session time, and the method by which audience interaction will be facilitated.

Submit a structured proposal in 800 words or less that includes the sections described below. To ensure blind review, please do not include any identifying information (persons, institutions, etc.).

  • Rationale/Background: What is the background for the panel discussion topic?
  • Panelists (including the Moderator): List the participating panelists. Include their titles or professional roles. Explain how each panelist will contribute to the discussion.
  • Session Outline: In general terms, explain how you propose the panel discussion will proceed. Indicate how much time each panelist will use and how the audience will be involved.
  • Reference List: List of relevant references used to place the proposed presentation in the context of current thought and practice. This does not count toward the proposal word limit.
  • Abstract: Provide an abstract of the session in 50 words or less. If accepted, this abstract will be included in the conference program.

Duration: Please indicate whether you are proposing a session of 60 or 90 minutes

Educational Innovation “Speed Dating”:
This format provides participants with an opportunity to learn from peers about several innovative educational approaches in a relatively short period of time. Participants will rotate through a series of brief, timed (7-minute) interactions at stations that are clustered according to common themes.

Submit a structured proposal in 250 words or less that includes the sections described below. To ensure blind review, please do not include any identifying information (persons, institutions, etc.).

  • Rationale: Educational Technology approach/topic and explain why it is timely and important to veterinary education.
  • Introduction: Describe the background, literature review, and/or needs assessment of the topic.
  • Outcomes: Identify the goals of addressing the discussion topics.
  • Discussion Triggers: Identify main discussion questions that are central to achieving the desired outcomes.

Duration: 7-minute presentations in a 90-minute session

Proposal Evaluation Criteria:
All submissions will be evaluated and selected by the Program Committee.

Proposals (blinded as to author and originating institution) will be reviewed by a committee that includes veterinary educators with a wide range of experiences. Reviewers will be asked to evaluate proposals using the following criteria:

  1. Proposal Quality: The written proposal is clear, complete, and well-organized. Clear proposals concisely explain the topic, goals, objectives, and format and are understandable for someone not familiar with the content area (please avoid jargon). The title matches description and abstract and is relevant, original, and intriguing.
  2. Purpose: The proposal includes clear goals/purpose and describes the benefit to target audience. The session objectives and plan are provided.
  3. Importance/Contribution to the Field: The proposal offers important results, creative or innovative practice or development, and/or an opportunity to enhance insights on a relevant or timely topic. It is generalizable and portable; it includes strengths and weaknesses. Conclusions are well supported. Suggestions are offered for further study.
  4. Preparation: The proposal is well-grounded in a theoretical/conceptual framework, relevant literature, and/or prior work. It demonstrates authors’ familiarity with the topic. The methods match intended purpose of the proposed presentation.
  5. Presentation: The proposal describes methods/activities and a detailed plan for use of time that will engage participants, encourage reflection and critique, and achieve the goals/purpose of the proposed presentation. Format and content should fit session type.
  6. Audience Appeal: The proposal represents work or addresses a topic or issue that relates to the conference theme and is relevant or important to veterinary educators.

Proposals due: November 6, 2023
Notification of Acceptance: November 20, 2023
Email proposals to Dr. Kathy Edmondson: (kme2@cornell.edu)

More information will be available soon at the following website: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/veteducators

The conference is a welcoming setting for new and experienced veterinary educators alike. Please share this announcement with anyone you think could make a valuable contribution to the meeting or benefit professionally by attending. Thank y