Outcomes and Evidence of Learning

To date, leadership development at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy has been addressed through multiple activities.  The following represents some of the learning outcomes we have observed as students have engaged in these activities.

Digital Storytelling
As part of the first Phar 6237 offering, students completed a digital story, answering the question: "What have I learned about leadership?"  Three examples of student work appear below. 

As one student commented: “I really like the self-reflection [the digital storytelling project] provided.  I also enjoyed being able to use my creativity.  In pharmacy school, we’re not asked to use our creative side often.”

Jenna Buskohl, Class of 2009, Twin Cities
 
David Stenehjem, Class of 2009, Duluth
 
Adele Reichel, Class of 2009, Twin Cities

General Outcomes
One of the foundational concepts of the Leadership Retreat was the ability to lead regardless of position or title.  Post-retreat 95% of responding participants agreed or strongly agreed that they would be able to shape their practice environment, regardless of position or title, as a new practitioner.  This measure was 77% pre-retreat.

The “Discovering Strengths” section of the Phar 6237 course was designed to get new graduates “off on the right foot” by providing the self-awareness and the knowledge needed to recognize that playing to one’s strengths should be a personal goal. Indeed, 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they had a stronger awareness of their strengths as a result of the class.
 
As an indication of the value students placed on the concepts taught, the course evaluation asked to what degree they agreed/disagreed that they would use the information from class in their career/personal life.  Ninety four percent (94%) of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that they would use information from class in their career/personal life.  More specifically, 89% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that "This class increased my confidence and knowledge to succeed in creating change". In addition, 94% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that "Because of this course, I have given greater consideration to the role I might play in shaping the future of pharmacy." 

For further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Todd Sorensen, Dr. Andrew Traynor or Dr. Kristin Janke.