A Case Report of Formative and Summative Evaluations of a Graduate Course on Foundations of Health Promotion for Masters of Public Health Students

Abstract

Development of foundational skills among masters of public health (MPH) students is challenging with regard to the mastery of delivering health education and health promotion methods.  In this case report we documented the conceptualization details and results from the formative and summative evaluations of one foundational course on health promotion implemented at a Southern US University. The course was based on the constructs of a fourth generation framework of multi-theory-model (MTM) of health behavior change that aimed at helping the students to acquire the behaviors needed for imparting the health education and health promotion methods  in the real world settings. In formative evaluation, a qualitative assessment is used, whereas, in the summative evaluation both qualitative and quantitative approaches are applied. We used a SWOT framework to conduct this study. Some of the documented strengths of the course included practical applications, interactive learning, and good use of the Canvas platform, group work, and skill building activities. The weaknesses of the course were the difficult nature of the subject and the fact that some presented methods were not clear. Some suggested opportunities for future offerings included having better environmental props, more online participation, and guest speakers. Some threats identified by the students were decrease of enrolment and possible reduction of face-to-face interactions due to online offerings. Overall, the instructor was successful in imparting skills pertaining to the methods for conducting health promotion within public health. The skill building activities and assignments elaborated in this course can be freely replicated for enhancing the learning acumen of MPH students around the world. This case report forms the basis for critical reflection among educators entrusted with designing such courses.

Keywords: Public Health, Health Behavior, Health Education, Health Promotion