Dr Kwang Cham1, Dr Heather Gaunt1
1University Of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Introduction/background: Students recognize the key role digital literacy has in enhancing employability. Scholarship on teaching health ethics is limited in Optometry. There are no existing research focussing on the key conceptual content for an optometric curriculum. Aim/objectives: This project aims to explore student personal and professional learning and reflection in ethics via engagement with artefacts in Grainger Museum, University of Melbourne. We seek to explore students’ understanding of ethical concepts and skills in health professional contexts, including teamwork, communication and collaboration. Methods: Optometry students experienced activities in the museum that focused on ethical dilemmas, including dealing with present or future ‘moral distress’ in health professional contexts. Results: Together, 90-99% of the students (n=81, 100% response rate) reported that this task increased their understanding and awareness in digital literacy, professionalism and heath ethics. They reported it has helped in identifying strengths and weaknesses in communication and inter-personal skills. 85% of the students recommended incorporating activities involving digital literacy and museums into the program in future. Overall, students appreciated incorporating Humanities in a clinical discipline as it encouraged lateral thinking and allowed more personal growth. Discussion: This research focuses on strategies for optometric teaching and learning in health ethics. It investigates object-based learning through pedagogical encounters with cultural artefacts. We have successfully implemented activities that are sustainable and embedded within the curriculum. Conclusions: Engaging with material culture in a museum context has delivered a deeply interactive and engaging learning experience, promoting the development of professional identity, awareness, and professional wellbeing.
Biography:
Heather Gaunt, PhD, is Curator of the Grainger Museum, University of Melbourne. Heather has worked over a period of two decades in the museum industry, as curator, collection-manager, researcher, and educator. She has extensive experience, and has published widely, in the area of pedagogy in museums in tertiary education across disciplines.