DRIVE: Expanded Curriculum Appraisal Tool & Resources

The primary goals of the DRIVE initiative are:

• To promote a representative and bias-free curriculum across our learning environments
• To enhance the accuracy, representation, and inclusion of diverse populations in all our educational environments and activities

For the purpose of DRIVE we define bias as a preference. Implicit bias is an unconscious response which can be recognized and mitigated. Explicit bias is overt and demonstrates intention.

Everyone has bias.  These biases have impact on scientific research, education and health care.  Our goal is to represent the breadth of the patient populations we serve, and the community in which we work while eliminating bias in the learning environment to the greatest extent possible. This is not easy.  In building a diverse, representative, inclusive curriculum and learning environment we ask that all members of the community examine their practice (large or small group teaching materials, lab discussions, bedside teaching, journal club, advising, writing and other educational opportunities) using this appraisal tool and the resources supplied.  Faculty can self-assess, ask a colleague to preview their materials using this tool, and seek assistance from the DRIVE Team or the Diversity and Inclusion Office.  

This tool is organized into six sections to facilitate use:

1. Setting the Context
2. Language and Terminology
3. Images and Media
4. Research and References
5. Population and Patient Cases
6. Closing the Loop

Each section includes several key questions with relevant probing questions and examples, as well as best practice, resources and exercises.  The key questions prompt the user to answer yes or no regarding the teaching experience being assessed; probing questions and examples offer further clarification and prompts to deepen reflection and understanding.  These questions were written to be applicable in varied educational settings including: large group, small group, lab presentations, and discussions.

If you have not already, take the online Independent Learning Module - Addressing Bias in the Curriculum. Then sign up to join one of our upcoming live workshops. More information on the DRIVE initiative and upcoming workshops is available HERE.

Please contact us via DRIVE@umassmed.edu if you have any feedback, questions, suggestions, resources or wish to get involved.

Join us in the DRIVE Cafe!

Connect with colleagues and learn more about DRIVE.

Mondays @ 12pm EST

Zoom Info:  https://www.umassmed.edu/DRIVE/weekly-cafe/

Bias may be experienced along these or other dimensions:

• Ability
• Agility
• Age
• Appearance
• Culture
• Diet
• Education level
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Gender identity
• Height
• Housing status
• Immigration status
• Mental health
• National origin
• Primary language
• Race
• Religious identification
• Sexual orientation
• Socioeconomic status
• Substance use
• Weight

If you know of a resource to support learning about a particular dimension of bias, please let us know with the "Suggest a Resource" form.