Impact of a teaching scholars program.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Researchers employ various approaches to evaluate teaching scholars programs (TSPs). We interviewed secondary beneficiaries of the TSP. METHOD: During an interview, TSP graduates identified individuals and/or groups whom they felt were affected as a result of their TSP participation. At least one individual from each type of these identified beneficiaries was interviewed. Quantitative results were summarized descriptively and qualitative comments coded through a consensus process. RESULTS: Thirty-six (88%) of TSP participants were interviewed. From their responses, 50 beneficiaries were interviewed. Sixty-eight percent of beneficiaries identified that, as a result of TSP, the scholars became better teachers and educational scholars and enhanced educational scholarship, programs, teaching, mentoring, and leadership in departments. Eighty-nine percent identified educational projects emanating from their contact with the scholar. CONCLUSION: Beneficiaries validated that the TSP produced better teachers and scholars. The impact in scholarship validated the importance of completing a project as part of the TSP. TSP also enhanced networking and educational resources for departments.