[Comprehensive evaluation of medical teaching -- a task for the psychosocial disciplines?]

Abstract

The paper describes the experiences with a comprehensive evaluation of medical teaching at the medical faculty of the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. Based upon evaluations of courses initiated by the students, the evaluation of teaching is organized scientifically and extended as a comprehensive evaluation of several relevant issues (e. g. surveys of teachers and alumni) by the staff of the Department of Medical Psychology since 1998. Originally supported by a grant of the state of Thuringia, the evaluation is now financed by the medical faculty. The paper describes the requested resources for staff and material to establish a systematic evaluation of medical teaching. In addition, a detailed concept of the allocation of financial means considering evaluations, examinations, and other indicators of teaching quality is demonstrated. Based upon the results of studies related to the evaluation data base, the question of the establishment of an external evaluation in view of the coming changes of the medical curriculum in Germany is critically discussed.