The Diploma – Formative and Summative Assessments

Balancing a Relaxed Approach with Rigorous Learning

While our course ethos fosters a relaxed and nurturing learning environment, it’s important for students to understand that the depth and breadth of content covered are substantial and clinically rigorous. This diploma isn’t just a casual foray into the world of baking; it’s a comprehensive academic and clinical program designed to provide medical practitioners with the skills and knowledge to prescribe bread as a form of lifestyle medicine. The diploma includes robust clinical modules that empower you to diagnose, prescribe, and monitor the use of BALM (Baking as Lifestyle Medicine) in the context of patient care. Over the course of the diploma, you will delve deep into scientific research, clinical case studies, and hands-on assessments, providing a multi-faceted understanding of BALM and its impact on various health conditions. The end goal is not just to become proficient bakers but to become proficient healthcare providers using BALM as an effective tool in your medical practice. Below is a summary of the assessments.

Formative and Summative Assessments

Formative Assessments:

1. Live Session Verbal Quizzes: Instead of written quizzes, understanding is checked through verbal quizzes during live sessions to assess real-time comprehension and engagement.
2. Peer Reviews of Baking Technique: During hands-on lab sessions, students will assess and critique each other’s bread-making skills, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
3. 1:1 Progress Meetings with Instructor: Periodic meetings to discuss individual learning pathways, upcoming projects, and any questions or challenges.

Summative Assessment:

1. Graduation Loaf Case Study with Community Baking and Reading:

1. • Assignment: Students will create a case study surrounding their “Graduation Loaf,” showcasing their ability to prescribe a bread recipe based on BALM protocol and clinical evidence.
   • Recipe Approval in 1:1 Meeting: The proposed recipe will be vetted for clinical and nutritional appropriateness during a one-on-one meeting with the instructor.
   • Evidence-Based Recipe: The chosen recipe must reference clinical papers from the Sourdough School database and other relevant studies. This ensures that the recipe is not only delicious but also supported by scientific research.
   • Community Baking and Peer Review: Upon approval, students will bake their Graduation Loaf and present their case study. The loaf and the supporting documentation will be reviewed by peers, serving as a form of collaborative evaluation.
   • Community Sharing: The approved recipe and case study will be published in the community’s knowledge base, affirming the program’s values of community and sharing.
   • Assessment Criteria:

1. • • Relevance to BALM principles
     • In line particularly the six pillars of lifestyle medicine
     • Nutritional appropriateness
     • Clinical feasibility based on cited research
     • Quality and clarity of presentation and documentation

This structure should provide a robust, multi-faceted assessment process that aligns well with the course’s academic, clinical, and community-oriented goals. It offers an evidence-based, peer-reviewed approach to learning that is deeply rooted in both practical and theoretical understanding.