How to accelerate learning in medicine?

From the Guidelines

Accelerating learning in medicine requires a multifaceted approach. To achieve this, it is essential to use multiple instructional techniques, such as group discussions, demonstrations, and case-based learning, as well as multiple exposures to content, including multimedia interventions like video, audio, and print 1.

Key Strategies for Accelerated Learning

• Applied knowledge: Focus on applied knowledge, which involves comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, rather than just factual knowledge 1.
• Multiple instructional techniques: Use a combination of techniques, such as lectures, role-playing, discussion groups, and problem-based learning, to engage learners and promote knowledge application 1.
• Multiple exposures: Provide multiple exposures to content, including repeated sessions or reinforcement activities, to improve knowledge retention and application 1.
• Multimedia interventions: Utilize multimedia interventions, such as video, audio, and print, to present content in a engaging and interactive way 1.

Implementation Considerations

• Assessing knowledge needs: Assess the knowledge needs of practicing physicians to determine the content and format of CME interventions 1.
• Designing CME activities: Design CME activities that include multiple educational media and techniques, and, where possible, multiple exposures 1.
• Evaluating effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of CME activities in improving physician knowledge and clinical outcomes 1.

By incorporating these strategies and considerations, medical educators and learners can work together to accelerate learning and improve clinical outcomes.

From the Research

Accelerating Learning in Medicine

To accelerate learning in medicine, several strategies can be employed, including:

• Active learning strategies, such as discussion, critical thinking, and advanced clinical reasoning skills 2
• Novel teaching strategies, including simulation-based learning (SBL), flipped classrooms (FC), problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), case-based learning (CBL), and bridge-in, objective, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment, and summary (BOPPPS) 3
• Self-regulation skills and a deep approach to learning, which have been associated with better university outcomes 4
• Testing oneself, learning actively, and repeating in intervals, which can help optimize long-term retention of factual knowledge 5

Effective Learning Methods

Effective learning methods in medical education include:

• Active recall and spaced repetition, which can help improve memory and retention 5
• Problem-based learning and case-based learning, which have been identified as effective methods in enhancing theoretical test scores and students' satisfaction scores 3
• Simulation-based learning, which offers a superior learning experience throughout the educational process 3
• Encouraging understanding and hard work, and prioritizing interest over material, which are traits associated with better results 4

Barriers to Learning

Barriers to learning in medical education include:

• Presenters' lack of familiarity with active learning strategies 6
• Need for more time-consuming preparation for active learning activities 6
• Surface approach to learning, which can hinder deep understanding and retention of material 4