MASTERING LEARNING STRATEGIES

This module delves into evidence-based learning strategies and concepts such as retrieval practice, spaced repetition, interleaving, desirability difficulty, motivation, and the Feynman technique.

By the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe key evidence-based learning strategies that maximise retention and recall.
2. Compare spaced repetition and interleaving, and explain the cognitive benefits and limitations of each strategy.
3. Adapt a learning activity to incorporate desirable difficulty, justifying the modifications with supporting evidence.
4. Explain the role of motivation and feedback in learning and how it interacts with evidence-based study strategies.
5. Explain the Feynman technique and its core benefits.
6. Apply the Feynman technique to explain a complex concept clearly.
7. Explain how consistency and regular review improve long-term retention, citing evidence.
8. Analyse learning case studies and recommend improvements based on evidence-based learning principles.

Sections

• Active and passive learning techniques
• Retrieval practice – Introduce retrieval practice as a powerful learning tool and show how it can be integrated into medical studies.
• Spaced repetition – Discuss how spaced repetition enhances long-term memory, with practical examples for using Anki and Remnote.
• The Feynman Technique – Explain how the Feynman technique helps break down and master complex medical concepts by simplifying them.
• Combining learning strategies – Teach students how to use active recall, spaced repetition, and Feynman together for maximum retention.
• Embracing feedback and the growth mindset – Explores the importance of being receptive to feedback, adopting a growth mindset, and persevering in clinical environments that may not always embrace mistakes or knowledge gaps.