Skip to Main Content
UMass Chan Medical School, Lamar Soutter Library. Education. Research. Health Care. Empowering the future. Preserving the past.
UMass Chan Medical School Homepage Lamar Soutter Library Homepage

DRIVE: Expanded Curriculum Appraisal Tool & Resources

DRIVE is an initiative to create a representative and bias-free curriculum across all domains of research and clinical education. This DRIVE Resource Guide includes the fully revised, updated and expanded curriculum appraisal tool and additional resources

About the Curriculum Appraisal Tool

This tool is designed to support the primary goals of the DRIVE initiative:

  • 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.

 

For a print version of the Curriculum Appraisal Tool, click here (PDF)

Share Your Feedback

How to Use the Tool and Resource Guide

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. 

DRIVE Best Practice: Creating a Learning Environment that Welcomes Feedback

Ask yourself, “Do I create a learning environment that welcomes feedback related to diversity, inclusion and representation?”  We recommend you place a slide or include a written or oral note at the beginning of each session that shares the following message:

 

 "My intent is to promote inclusive learning while avoiding bias. I welcome feedback regarding areas for improvement."

 

Email us: DRIVE@UMassMed.edu

DRIVE Cafe

Join us in the DRIVE Cafe!

Connect with colleagues and learn more about DRIVE.

Mondays @ 12pm EST

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

Connect with DRIVE

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