The one hour lecture remains the traditional unit of medical education, particularly for the foundational sciences. A number of factors contribute to the preeminence of the lecture: it is an efficient way to accomplish the goal of knowledge transfer to the student, it is the easiest and most familiar format for students and faculty, and is the most economically feasible mechanism for the college to accomplish its teaching goals. However, it is generally agreed that most lectures limit engagement and therefore promote only “passive” learning and do not promote long-term retention. Medical educators have thus been investigating techniques to promote active learning, which promotes longer term retention and deeper understanding of scientific concepts. In active learning, the student often participates as a partner in the teaching and learning of the group as a whole.
A variety of active learning techniques have emerged as a way to expand the boundaries of learning within the confines of the traditional large group setting.
In this IAMSE web audio seminar we will discuss the learning principles behind active learning and reasons for incorporating these concepts in their large group teaching. The session will then demonstrate environmental and psychological factors that influence learning and enable participants to develop techniques to use these factors to increase learning and retention. Finally, classroom techniques that can increase engagement, learning and retention in both traditional lecture and flipped settings will be discussed.
Kathryn N. Huggett is Assistant Dean for Medical Education, Director of Medical Education Development and Assessment, and Associate Professor of Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. She directs medical education research activities and works with faculty to promote educational scholarship. She was responsible for the development of an intensive summer faculty development program for health sciences faculty, and directs this program and other activities to improve educational quality. In addition, she teaches medical and graduate students, oversees course and program evaluation, and participates in the management of the curriculum. She currently serves as co-chair of the Interprofessional Education Steering Committee and teaches in the interdisciplinary Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) Program in Leadership, both at Creighton University.
William Jeffries, Ph.D., F.A.H.A, is the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Prior to that he served as the Associate Dean for Medical Education and Director of Academic Computing at Creighton University School of Medicine. He has taught medical, graduate and other health sciences students continuously since 1981.