Background:

This study’s key objectives focused on how to redesign a University subject exploring the social determinants of health whilst meeting the demands of a large cohort: a) over 2,000 in a single trimester; b) 30 tutors teaching a total of 76 tutorials any given week (grading approximately 4,200 papers), and c) final enrolments per annum approaching 3,000. The aim was to evaluate outcomes arising from the redevelopment in an effort to augment student interest, engagement and retention.

Methods:

A mixed-methods research design was implemented, drawing on quantitative University evaluation data triangulated with qualitative data from a set reflective practice task. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare quantitative evaluation findings from pre (2010) to post (2013) development periods and thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative portion.

Results/Discussions:

The 2010 dataset included enrolment of 1,648 students, including an off-campus cohort of 99 students. Of these, 796 students participated (48.3% response rate). The 2013 enrolment figure was 2,044, including an off-campus cohort of 162 students. The survey attracted 931 responses (45.5% response rate).
Statistically significant improvements in student engagement were obtained over time. Specifically, this included increased understanding among students of how awareness and action on social determinants can enhance health care in Australia.
Among several positive trends, triangulated results showed increased levels of student satisfaction with encouraging effect sizes for items relating to the Unit being well-taught and recommending the Unit to peers, with written comments suggesting transitions from surface to deep learning had transpired.

Conclusions/implications:

This presentation will illustrate practical approaches for augmenting teaching and learning when exploring the social determinants of health among a student cohort and ways to contribute to a determinants-led discourse in higher education. Key components of the curriculum redevelopment could be adopted by other educators seeking to achieve similar successful outcomes.