Unintended Consequences of Curricular Change: Lessons from Legacy Students

Many students continue in traditional (legacy) curricula during curricular reform. Little is known about the impact of the reform process on legacy students or about their perspectives on any new curriculum. In focus groups conducted 7–8 months following the introduction of an innovative curriculum, legacy students reported support for the new curriculum and perceived no negative impact on their education. The legacy students reported reduced ability to assist first year students, and negative attitudes from first years towards the legacy curriculum. They also perceived reduced participation in the student-run free clinic and other activities by students in the new curriculum.