The use of Work Station Learning Activities (WSLA) methodologies in Health Sciences Education

Abstract

The need to integrate knowledge and skills along with traditionally separate disciplines in higher education has become an essential demand, especially in biomedical sciences. Establishing integrated programs in medical education is, however, a challenge. Recently, at the European University of Madrid we have opted to introduce a progressive integration, through a new model called WSLA (Work Stations Learning Activities). The WSLA serves to create integrated learning modules that can be applied and adapted to different situations, from master classes to laboratory practices. This new approach was conceived at two different levels: first, we identified potentially integrative units from different fields according to national learning goals established for each preclinical year (national quality agency regulations). Secondly, we implemented a new instrument that combines active methodologies in Work Station Learning Activities (WSLA), using clinical scenarios as a guiding common thread to instruct students from an integrated perspective.