Improving Inclusivity in the Curriculum via the Introduction of an Equine Industry-Specific Language eGlossary.

Overview

• This research article describes the creation and evaluation of an online glossary designed to teach veterinary students industry-specific equine language to improve their confidence and engagement during education and clinical placements.
• The goal was to reduce language barriers that make the equine veterinary profession feel inaccessible to students with little prior exposure to the equine industry.

Background and Problem Statement

• The equine veterinary profession is often seen as inaccessible to veterinary students lacking experience in the equine industry.
• A significant factor contributing to this inaccessibility is the use of specialized, informal “horsey” language within the industry.
• Students without prior exposure may face a language barrier when learning equine medicine, inhibiting their engagement with teaching and clinical placements.
• This can lead to reduced interest and confidence, potentially impacting career choices and contributing to recruitment challenges in the equine veterinary field.

Development of the eGlossary

• An online anonymous survey using the Twenty Statements Test was distributed on social media platforms.
• The survey targeted equine veterinary surgeons, horse owners, and paraprofessionals to gather essential equine-specific terms for new veterinary graduates.
• Responses were compiled into a comprehensive list of industry-specific terms and their definitions.
• This list was developed into an e-book format glossary, designed for easy navigation and offline access.
• Offline functionality was important to ensure students could use the resource during remote clinical placements with limited internet access.

Implementation and Evaluation

• The eGlossary was introduced to fourth-year veterinary students at the University of Surrey.
• Students were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the resource’s usefulness and its impact on their confidence in understanding and using equine industry language.
• Feedback indicated that the glossary helped demystify the specialized terminology, improving students’ comfort and engagement with equine teaching and placements.

Implications and Impact

• This study highlights that language can form a significant barrier to learning and engagement in veterinary education, particularly in niche fields like equine medicine.
• The introduction of an accessible, tailored language resource successfully mitigated this barrier.
• By making students feel less like outsiders during clinical placements, the glossary may increase the number of graduates considering equine veterinary careers.
• This approach could contribute to addressing the recruitment and retention crisis currently faced by the equine veterinary profession.
• The resource serves as an example of how inclusivity in curriculum design can promote student engagement and career development.