gms | German Medical Science

Background/rationale: Classic English cottage garden evoke a natural feeling, looking as if no planning was necessary to create their beauty.

What was done: When designing an English garden three steps should be followed. The first step is to select three to four main colors to create continuity within the garden. The three main longitudinal themes of curriculum are basic sciences, clinical skills and clinical presentations / examination objectives. Although free flowing, English gardens do need a certain amount of structure. The structure of curriculum is provided by the study guides, the personal learning plans, the learning portfolios, mentoring and peer review. A third important ingredient in an English garden is the "accessories" or in other words, the structures or the "whimsy": a gate, a bench or a water feature. In this model of curriculum the "accessories" are provided by the authentic activity in the communities of practice the learner is exposed during the training period.

Conclusions: The "English garden" model for curriculum design refers to the active involvement of learners in authentic activities within specific communities of practice, and is based on our cultural background and available teaching staff and infrastructure.

Take-home messages: The "English garden" model of curriculum is grounded on the theories of cognitive apprenticeship and situated learning.