Evaluation of a High School Clinical Science Education Simulation

• In Event: Poster Session 20
  In Poster Session: Exploring Science Education

Abstract

This paper describes fifth-year summative evaluation results of a simulation in which high school students diagnose and treat medical cases. The evaluation determined how the program increased science literacy among students, promoted biomedical career awareness, and built knowledge of clinical trials and their importance. Analysis used a mixed methods approach drawing data from 82 teachers and 1,304 students. Multilevel repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was performed on four domains: content knowledge, critical thinking/problem solving, communication/collaboration, and personal attributes in dealing with challenges. Statistically significant effects were found between pre-mission and post-mission scores, p < .001, combined over the four types of skills. Overall gains occurred for all four types of skills from before to after the mission (p < .0042).

Authors

• Debra Crawford Burkey Piecka Tyrrell, Wheeling Jesuit University

• Manetta Lynn Calinger, Wheeling Jesuit University

• Charles A. Wood, Wheeling Jesuit University

• Jackie Shia, Challenger Learning Center

• Lori Kudlak, Challenger Learning Center

• Barbara G. Tabachnick, California State University - Northridge