A “Novel” Pedagogy for Pharmacy Students to Learn About Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• In Event: Social Justice Approaches in Professions Education

Abstract

First year pharmacy students learned about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through reading a novel—The Tale of Gwyn by Cynthia Voight. Students were given a schedule for chapter readings and writings. They had a written assignment every two weeks, and cooperative group discussions and activities every week. We used a qualitative interventional design, with pre- and post-intervention writing to evaluate student learnings about EDI and student thoughts about reading a novel in a pharmacy course. Most students thought they strengthened their understanding of EDI through the novel and through interacting with other students in the class activities. Many thought they became stronger with observational and analytical skills as well, which was supported by the student work.

Authors

• Beverly A. FitzPatrick, Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Faisal Mohammad Ali Abdulla, Memorial University of Newfoundland