Skills-based practical learning - How to OSPE

Activity

Invited talk for Royal Society of Biology heads of University Biosciences (HUBS)

Description

Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPE’s) are assessments of theoretical, practical and problem-solving skills at multiple stations which are frequently used to evaluate clinical practical skills (Harden and Cairncross, 1980). Although non-clinical disciplines rarely use this successful assessment style, we have adapted this format to assess a wide range of communication, ethics, numeracy, graphic interpretation and science laboratory practical skills. This approach helps to prepare students for research projects and enhances graduate attributes and employability skills.
This presentation will discuss how we developed this idea to replace large, traditional, all-day practical classes, how the concept was refined over several years, how we overcame resistance from colleagues to try something different, and why student demand has meant its gradual expansion across multiple science degree programmes.
In addition, we will highlight how student partners have been key in helping us deliver these learning experiences more effectively, and how we are helping students use their OSPE experiences to better prepare them for the job market.

Period	22 Apr 2022
Event title	Royal Society of Biology HUBS Fundamental Biosciences Workshop: What fundamentals do students need for success in their study of Biosciences?
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	International