Teaching , learning and assessment activities : role in a basic sciences department of a medical college

Background: Teaching, Learning and Assessment (TLA) program was introduced in the department of Department of Biological & Biomedical sciences (BBS) to organize workshops, seminars and courses to develop and enhance teaching, learning and assessment capabilities. The rationale for TLA program is thus to enhance open access learning for everyone around the globe, including faculty, staff and students. The objective of the study was to evaluate TLA program’s initiatives (workshops, courses, seminars) in BBS, Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2016 after approval from Ethical Review Board of Aga Khan University. The evaluation was made by qualitative analysis; assessed by focused group discussions (FGDs) with facilitators and participants, and in-depth interviews with TLA leadership (Director, CoDirector). Results: The in-depth interviews indicated ‘research, education and educational research synergy’ as the preferred themes for TLA activities. Participants and facilitators in FGDs indicated satisfaction on the design and objectives of the activity, achievement of objectives, balance between theory and hands-on component, and acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Conclusion: The TLA program in BBS Department was able to organize workshops, courses and seminars consistently during the study years (2012–2015). The facilitators and participants were satisfied with the outcome in terms of enhancement of teaching, learning and assessment activities in the department. The stakeholders identified areas of improvement for the perfection in future endeavors.