Assessment is the mechanism used to measure progress in learning over a given period of time. The methods of assessment should be both valid and reliable to enable an accurate measurement of understanding, application, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of knowledge.
Assessment instruments allow for formative and summative feedback regarding the progressive movement of student learning within the curriculum.
- Formative assessments measure developmental learning and occurs at multiple instances within a given period of time.
- Summative assessments are used to measure how much the student has learned over a given period of time.
Various formative and summative assessments are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Student Performance
Student performance is assessed progressively across the curriculum by multiple means and compared to a set of established benchmarks in each area:
- Student scores on board exams (USMLE Step 1 and 2, NBME)
- Local exams
- Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCEs)
- Competency-based assessments of performance
A few of the assessment instruments specific to the UA COM-PHX curriculum are provided below by curricular year.
Years 1 & 2: Preclinical
Year 3: Clerkships
Year 4: Electives
Feedback is an essential component that accompanies both formative and summative assessment and is used as a basis for improvement. It informs the learner about their progressive or summative progress. Feedback can be written, verbal, or interactive, as shown through demonstration. Feedback is gathered through faculty review, as well as self-reflection throughout the preclinical curriculum and electives, and at midpoint and end of clerkship rotations within the COM-PHX curriculum.
For more information about COM-PHX assessment and evaluation, contact:
Christine Savi, PhD
Assessment and Evaluation
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
550 East Van Buren Street
Building 3, #3373
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.827.2245
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