A Summer Course in Cancer for High School Students - An Update on Lessons Taught and Lessons Learned.

Autor:	Solone XK; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, United States.; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States., Chitre S; Department of Gastroenterology, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, United States.; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States., Font LF; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, United States.; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States., Espinoza Pereira KN; Department of Hematology & Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, United States.; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States., Stofer K; Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States., Siemann DW; Department of Radiation Oncology, Gainesville, FL, USA.; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Research square [Res Sq] 2024 Jul 22. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 22.
DOI:	10.21203/rs.3.rs-4632044/v1
Abstrakt:	Background: Previous graduate students and postdoctoral associates from the University of Florida Health Cancer Center, in partnership with the University of Florida Student Science Training Program, implemented a cooperative learning curriculum, providing high school students with a broad overview of cancer topics over six weeks over the summer. However, the ongoing shift in education and training delivery initially necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to many discussions surrounding student autonomy and satisfaction. Furthermore, adapting hybrid and distance learning styles has notably influenced student-led collaboration and critical thinking skills. Here, we report on an update of experiences gleaned from the modified curriculum of this course to accommodate hybrid and cooperative teaching. Methods: This pre-post longitudinal observational study evaluated modifications to a cancer biology and therapeutics course. Student performance was assessed using surveys administered before and after the course to determine effectiveness. Results: Student performance tracked over a 7-year period indicated improved cumulative grade averages after modifying the previous curriculum. Post-assessment analysis revealed significant improvements in student benchmark understanding, notably in their ability to define cancer in one sentence (p = 0.0407), identify cancer therapies (p = 0.0040), and recognize cancer hallmarks (p < 0.0001). An increased trend in median response to the likelihood of pursuing cancer research (p = 0.8793) and the possibility of pursuing cancer research (p = 0.4874) were also observed, although not statistically significant. Moreover, feedback from participating students indicated that " the educational activities at the end of class (e.g., escape room, case studies) " and " learning about cancer and getting to work in groups… " the curriculum fostered a positive educational learning environment. Conclusion: Students generally held a positive perception of the course. Post-assessment analysis revealed decreasing trends in students' perception of course difficulty compared to their expectations in the pre-assessment. Constructive feedback centered around fostering collaborative environments, with an observed increase in learner autonomy towards the end of the course, as evidenced by students' growing comfort in leading group case studies and conducting research on topics. We hope that future course directors engage actively and incorporate practical clinical examples for students, especially when introducing or discussing complex issues like cancer. Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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