Kern Institute Collaboration for Scholarship (KICS): KICS Out the Jams

From the April 28, 2023 issue of the Transformational Times - Issue dedicated to the work of the Kern Institute Collaboration for Scholarship (KICS)

Kern Institute Collaboration for Scholarship (KICS): KICS Out the Jams 

Michael T. Braun, PhD, Amy Farkas, MD, and Kristina Kaljo, PhD 

 

Let me up on the stand 
And let me kick out the jam 
Yes, kick out the jam 
I want to kick 'em out 
—MC5, "Kick Out the Jams" 

As the Kern Institute Collaboration for Scholarship (KICS) wraps up its second school year of supporting scholarly output of the Kern Institute and MCW, the authors highlight what they consider the four biggest challenges and invite readers to join the conversation about what’s next. For no reason other than it’s fun, they chose song lyrics to title each challenge... 

 

The essays in this issue of Transformational Times celebrate KICS achievements and highlight practical approaches to common challenges as we support research projects in medical education and, more generally, in education and the social sciences.  

 

In this opening essay, we ask, “What are the biggest opportunities for growth?” 

 

"It's always been a matter of trust"

—Billy Joel, "A Matter of Trust" 

 

"Hi, I'm from a group of scholars on campus, and I'm here to help you!" Okay, those aren’t Ronald Reagan's "most terrifying words," but we don't blame you if the first thing that pops into your head after this invitation is, "Why?"  

 

For KICS, the answer is simple: It's in the mandate for the Kern Institute to distribute the transformative work happening at MCW. But unsolicited (or generally available) help can feel like a trip to the writing center in our undergraduate days. Merely walking in the door shows you're admitting there's something you can't figure out but are expected to know.  

 

So, here's where we'll encourage everyone: There's no reason anyone on campus should expect themselves to know how to conduct impactful research in education or the social sciences, let alone how to solve tricky problems when they arrive. And when folks come to KICS for help, teaching and learning is split equally: We learn from you just as much as we (hope we can) offer to you. Let's partner for your next project. At least we know we'll learn something from you if you come by.  

 

"You gotta let me know which way to go/because I need to know"

—Marc Anthony, "I Need to Know" 

 

Read further in this issue about the success of our qualitative workshop. We highlight a new KICS initiative to address a specific need on campus. 

 

Now the question is, “What's next? And how will we find out about it?”  

 

One of the best clues we have is the Kinetic3 faculty development program. The data on each session collected over years gives us insight into the development areas that are most impactful. We have started offering more services specifically to K3. This has given us feedback on what's most helpful and a chance to try new education ideas and sessions for an interested audience. 

 

We also appeal to you—the readers—to think about what sessions (in any format) would help move along scholarship the fastest. How should they be structured? A semester-long series, like our qualitative workshops? Stand-alone offerings that take an hour or two? A retreat that fills a full day or more? What should they teach? General philosophies and approaches to research? Hands-on research design? Analysis techniques, both qualitative and quantitative? Writing-centric sessions that move manuscripts out the door?  

 

Of course, one answer to this is, "Yes, that!" And it all sounds good to us, too! So, help us narrow it down. With limited time and resources (including for participants), what session and format would make a difference in scholarly productivity?  

 

"You can write, but you can't edit"

—Regina Spektor, "Edit" 

 

One of the most challenging needs we’ve noted relates to helping people become more proficient and efficient writers, especially in the scholarly style required by academic journals. It's a style that is mockable, even laughable, with its pompous parameters and flatulent forms. It's a style that's intimidating, with its sententious critiques. It's a style that we might be poking a bit of fun at right now with our alliterative allusions.  

 

How do we break people free from their fear of the form, and let them embrace expedient and efficacious expression? One approach we're planning to try is asking folks to work on an individual development plan for their writing. This would provide a set of landmarks we could help people chart toward. We also are looking for more opportunities for participation in the two basic elements of writing improvement: Reading and Writing A Lot. (Note to Self: RWAL? Think of better acronym later.)  

 

To that end, have you read anything great lately? Maybe pass it on to a colleague! We can all help each other read more by sharing great titles.  

 

"Uh huh, I'm worth it"

—Fifth Harmony, "Worth It" 

 

This is a challenge for all programs: How do we measure our impact and demonstrate our success? Think of the semesters you have spent in classes where you felt you learned nothing. Think of the five minutes spent in random conversation that changed your whole life's course. We aim KICS' impact to be somewhere between those two poles, but how can we know?  

 

The first, best answer to "How can we measure that?" is "Ask the people who know." And we endeavor to do just that. For example, our post-Journal Club survey has provided insight into the program's impact and provided us with ideas for future speakers. But beyond that, we’re still thinking about tracking a long-term or institution-wide impact.  

 

We hope you enjoy the essays in this special KICS edition of the Transformational Times. And we hope to see you at a KICS event soon.  

 

Michael T. Braun, PhD, is a program manager with Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education.  

 

Amy Farkas, MD, MS, is a general internist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at MCW.  

 

Kristina Kaljo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor and Clerkship Co-Director in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at MCW, specializing in curriculum and instruction, educational research, and community-engaged research. She is director of the Faculty Pillar of the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education.