John Pelley, Ph.D.
| Associate Professor | john.pelley@ttuhsc.edu |
Biography
I joined the Texas Tech University School of Medicine at its inception in June, 1972. I had just finished postdoctoral training with Lester J. Reed at the University of Texas from 1969-1972 which was preceded by my PhD training in Zoology at the University of North Carolina, 1964-1969. I have taught in the Medical Biochemistry course and at times served as course director. My career path has been punctuated by service as admissions dean, department chair (acting), and curriculum dean, the latter of which has shaped my current interests in medical education. I have served as the inaugural chair of our Teaching Academy and have been recognized several times with teaching awards. My leadership in the application of learning style theory has been recognized by the Award for Merit from the Association for Psychological Type (2002) and the Medical Education Scholarship Award from the Southern Group on Educational Affairs (2006). I have published a book on learning styles and several review books in biochemistry. Also, I am a frequent speaker at medical schools around the country on the topic of learning style and in the new teaching method called, "Team-Based Learning."
Research Interests
My current research consists of the development of self directed learning strategies for medical students that are aimed at higher order thinking skills as opposed to memorization of facts. Self directed strategies are critically important to the future of medical education because faculty are too pressed for time in research and patient care commitments to be able devote enough time to students. Students are increasingly expected to teach themselves. I am now testing group study protocols using concept mapping to develop a learning program that can be documented and used at other medical schools.
Recent Publications
- Pelley, J.W. Integrated Basic Medical Sciences: Biochemistry. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science; 2006. (in press)
- Pelley, J.W. and Goljan, E., Rapid Review Series for USMLE Step 1: Biochemistry. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science; 2003.
- Pelley, J.W. and Bernell K. Dalley, SuccessTypes for Medical Students: A Program for Improving Academic Performance. Lubbock: Texas Tech University Division of Extended Learning, 1997.
- Pelley, J.W., Ace the Boards: Mosby's USMLE Step 1 Reviews: Biochemistry. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.; 1997.
- Pelley, J.W. and S. Alston. Creating Effective Application Exercises in Basic Sciences. 2005 Annual Conference on Team Based Learning, Dayton, OH, June, 2005.
- Pelley, J.W. The Role Of A Teaching Academy In Faculty Development, Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education, Austin, TX, April, 2005.
- Pelley, J.W., D. Rudy, and G. Dent. We’ve given the Myers-Briggs, now what do we do with it? (Group Discussion) Southern Group on Educational Affairs, Winston-Salem, NC, April, 2005.
- Pelley, J.W., K. Peck, F. Doyle, and P. Smith. Teaching The Use Of Personality Type To Enhance Healthcare Communications, (Workshop) American Academy on Physician and Patient Research and Teaching Forum on Healthcare Communications, Indianapolis, IN, October, 2004.
- Pelley, J.W., N. Searle, and C. Seidel. Using Team Learning with Learning Style Applications to Develop Multiple Outcome Competencies, (Workshop) Southern Group on Educational Affairs, Miami, FL, April, 2003.