12. “The Case of the Castle”: An Application of Experiential Learning at the Bader International Study Center (BISC) in Medical Education

Abstract

It has been internationally recognized that medical education in higher-education institutions must adapt to equip healthcare professionals with skills that meet the changing demands of patient-cantered care (General Medical Council, 1993). Experiential learning is a teaching strategy based on Kolb’s Learning Theory (KLT) that encourages learners to proactively consolidate information through practical applications, self-directed reflection, and critical appraisal of evidence. Based on a descriptive phenomenological research design, the lived-experiences of both students and faculty at the Bader International Study Center were analyzed qualitatively through observation and interviews, and quantitatively through Likert scale surveys. Conditions identified by previous publications as conducive to experiential learning were tested, and thematic and factor analysis were conducted respectively on subsequent data. Results of the analysis found that students consolidated information best when new knowledge presented built upon their prior understandings of the phenomenon. Thorough understanding of learning goals prior to the experiential learning opportunity encouraged learner ownership, and subsequently facilitated self-directed, professor-facilitated learning. Retention of information was highest when students were presented with reflection assignments that prompted them to critically apply prior knowledge in a low-risk environment. The implications from experiential learning for the advancement of medical education therefore can be summarized in the following points: learner-directed instead of professor-directed PBL scenarios may encourage learner responsibility and increase knowledge retention. Encouraging active reflection and subsequent experimentation through PBL and in realistic ‘life scenarios’ may increase transferability of professional skills as dictated by the General Medical Council.