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 teach various topics in the Medical Biochemistry course and at times have 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), the Medical Education Scholarship Award from the Southern Group on Educational Affairs (2006), and most recently by the Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award (2010) and the TTUHSC Chancellors Council Distinguished Teacher Award (2010). I have published a book on learning styles and several review books in biochemistry. The learning styles book is titled “SuccessTypes in Medical Education” and is available as a free download from my SuccessTypes in Medical Education website, www.ttuhsc.edu/SOM/success, in addition to many other helpful aids to learning and teaching. 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 a novel method of concept mapping to develop a learning program that can be documented and used at other medical schools.
Recent Publications
- Pelley, J.W. Teaching to Transform the Brain. Plenary presentation at 32st Annual ACOI Congress for Resident Trainers, San Antonio, Texas, April, 2010.
- Pelley, J.W. Introduction to Team-Based Learning � Workshop at 32st Annual ACOI Congress for Resident Trainers, San Antonio, Texas, April, 2010.
- Pelley, J.W. Teaching to Transform the Brain. Plenary presentation at 20th Annual Osteopathic Medical Education Leadership Conference, Newport Beach, California, January, 2010.
- Pelley, J.W. Application of Learning Type in Classroom and Clinic � Workshop at 20th Annual Osteopathic Medical Education Leadership Conference, Newport Beach, California, January, 2010.
- Pelley, J.W and M. Echols. Improving Problem Solving In Small Group Settings With Scored Concept Mapping. (Workshop) Southern Group on Educational Affairs, New Orleans, April, 2009.
- Pelley, J.W. and D. Mayer. Effective application exercises teaching critical thinking in the basic sciences. GEA Mini-workshop at AAMC Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, October, 2006.
- Pelley, J.W. Effect of concept mapping on Myers-Briggs personality types. CMC 2006 � Second International Conference on Concept Mapping, San Jose, Costa Rica, September, 2006.
- Scott, D.M., Taylor, L.L., and Pelley, J.W. The use of concept mapping in integrative learning with allied health profession students. CMC 2006 � Second International Conference on Concept Mapping, San Jose, Costa Rica, September, 2006.
- Pelley, J.W. A Side-To-Side Concept Mapping Procedure For Studying Case Vignette Questions. (Poster) International Association of Medical Science Educators, San Juan, Puerto Rico, July, 2006.
- Pelley, J.W. A Side-To-Side Concept Mapping Procedure For Studying Case Vignette Questions. (Poster) Southern Group on Educational Affairs, Galveston, TX, May, 2006.
- Pelley, J.W. and D. Mayer. Creating Effective Application Exercises in Basic Sciences. 2006 Annual Conference on Team Based Learning, Lubbock, TX, March, 2006.
- 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, 3rd Ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science; 2010.
- Pelley, J.W. and Bernell K. Dalley, SuccessTypes for Medical Students: A Program for Improving Academic Performance. Updated edition available at www.ttuhsc.edu/SOM/success website.
- 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.