The effect of changes of the scholarship regulation on scholarship activities of the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences faculties

Background: Since 2009, evaluation of scholarship in teaching activities of faculty members is considered for their promotion in Iran. Until now, policies regarding the minimum obligatory scholarship score required for promotion have changed dramatically. The effects of changes in policies on the scholarship activities of faculty members of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) are evaluated in this study. Methods: The files of scholarship of teaching of the faculty members promoted from 2009 to 2012 are evaluated. Results: During the period of study, 127 faculty members were promoted. The mean score of scholarship of teaching achieved in total was 3.70 ±1.307. It was significantly different periods in which scholarship policies have changed (p<0.001). The mean percent score obtained from preparing and implementation of lesson and course plans, implementation of new educational methods, and the mean number of electronic learning contents prepared by faculty members were significantly different among these periods, too. The mean percent score obtained from new educational assessment methods was not different significantly. Discussion: Changes of promotion regulation of faculty members in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences significantly affected the quantity and quality of their scholarship activities. A minimum obligatory score of scholarship activities required for promotion of faculty members has proved effective in progress of scholarship of teaching and learning and development of education.