Lecture-based Learning Research Articles

Effectiveness of spaced repetition learning using a mobile flashcard application among dental students: A randomized controlled trial.

Dental education in India predominantly relies on traditional lecture-based learning (LBL), which may hinder student engagement and learning outcomes. To address these limitations, innovative learning methodologies, such as spaced repetition learning (SRL), are imperative. SRL prioritizes active recall and can enhance long-term knowledge retention. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of SRL delivered through a mobile flashcard application, in enhancing knowledge retention among dental undergraduates. This single-blind randomized controlled trial (CTRI/2023/10/059347), conducted in Belagavi, India, involved 90 dental students who were equally distributed into control (LBL) and test (lecture followed by SRL demonstration) groups after randomization. Rigorous expert review ensured the quality of PowerPoint presentation and mobile flashcard contents. Knowledge assessments were conducted at baseline, first, and third months using a validated and reliable questionnaire. A perception survey on learning techniques was administered after the first month. Analysis methods included descriptive analysis, Pearson's chi-square test, independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test. The pre- and post-intervention knowledge showed no significant differences, but the SRL group exhibited significantly higher retention at both first month (p ≤ 0.001) and third months (p ≤ 0.001) than the LBL group. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant pairwise differences in mean knowledge scores in SRL group. Students had significantly favorable perception toward SRL than LBL group. SRL delivered through mobile flashcards significantly enhances knowledge retention compared to LBL among dental students. Positive student perceptions support SRL's integration into dental curricula, with implications for improving knowledge retention among them.

Assessing First-Year (M1) Medical Students’ Understanding of Blood Glucose Control Using a “Backward Design” Asynchronous Physiology Lecture

Introduction: Backward design, an instructional model outlined by Wiggins and McTighe, emphasizes identifying key learning outcomes (LOs) that students must be able to perform after learning about a topic. It requires educators to first develop authentic assessments aligned with the key LOs, which form the basis of course content and activities. The majority of medical students across the United States encounter lecture-based learning in their first two years of basic sciences curriculum with little opportunity for hands-on training to build on necessary learning skills for future application in the clinic. Compared to traditional lecturing, a backward-designed session with planned activities may better develop medical students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our goal was to redesign a traditional first-year medical school lecture using the backward design model, and compare student perceptions and understanding of key concepts. Methods: We redesigned a traditional lecture on the topic, “Blood Glucose Control” from Fall 2022, using a backward design framework, and delivered it in Fall 2023. For redesign, we re-evaluated our LOs, and ensured that they aligned with the four assessment questions that we developed, which were used to build session content. We then compared student perceptions of learning and their performance on assessments between the two years. In both years, this topic was delivered asynchronously along with four assessment questions in the foundational course offered to 125 first-year medical students (M1s). Results: LOs were edited to include specific concepts that were tested on the four assessment questions. Upon mapping, we found that certain learning objectives were not adequately covered in the lecture, so we followed an iterative process to edit lecture content and created two activities, such as a clinical case branching scenario and a drag-and-drop activity. Of the 125 M1s, the four assessment questions in the years 2022 and 2023 were completed by a total of 50 and 60 students respectively. The average score for M1 students in Fall 2022 was 68.3562 (SEM=4.241577536) while those for students in Fall 2023 was 72.76966667 (SEM=3.655350463) ( p=0.617). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate an upward movement of the average score among students from Fall 2023 when a backward-design framework was used, compared to that of Fall 2022 students who received the traditional lecture. Although not statistically significant, the backward-design framework benefitted medical student performance when compared to traditional lecturing. Additionally, our research introduces innovative ways of incorporating interactive student activities in an asynchronous lecture that medical educators can implement into their own courses. Our future directions include comparing student perceptions between the two lecturing styles and correlating it with their performance. No funding sources to disclose. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

문제중심학습(PBL) 기반 유아수학교육 수업이 예비유아교사의 수학교수효능감, 수학적 태도 및 문제해결능력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Problem Based Learning(PBL)-based early childhood mathematics education classes on pre-service early childhood teachers’ mathematics teaching efficacy, mathematical attitude, and problem-solving ability. The study participants were 38 pre-service early childhood teachers attending a 4-year university in G City. The PBL-based early childhood mathematics education class used a combination of lecture-based and problem-based learning methods, and problem-based learning consisted of four PBL problems and was conducted for a total of 9 weeks. The research tools used were mathematics teaching efficacy, mathematical attitude, and problem-solving ability before and after. Data analysis was performed using a paired samples t-test using the SPSS 28 program. As a result of the study, PBL-based early childhood mathematics education classes were found to have a positive impact on improving the mathematics teaching efficacy, mathematical attitude, and problem-solving ability of pre-service early childhood teachers. Through this, the significance of the study is that it presented and verified a PBL-based mathematics teaching model that can be applied to the early childhood mathematics education classes of pre-service early childhood teachers.

Application of PRI-E–a combined learning method in oral and maxillofacial oncology education

The traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) method is facing great challenges due to its low efficiency and single proceeding form. We designed a PRI-E learning mode that combined and modified problem-based, case-based, and evidence-based learning with a step-by-step approach. We evaluated the practical learning outcomes of using the PRI-E mode by comparing it with traditional lecture-based learning in oral and maxillofacial oncology education. “PRI-E” consists of the first letters of the English words Passion, Research, Innovation, and Education, and it means “the best Education”. This prospective randomized controlled trial included 40 participants. We evenly divided the participants into the PRI-E (n = 20) and LBL group (n = 20) based on the entrance test scores. The same staff group designed and then taught the learning content with different group measures. The evaluation included the final test scores and questionnaire assessments. Without affecting the examination results, the PRI-E teaching method was more satisfactory and popular with participants in terms of ability development and classroom participation. Enacting the PRI-E teaching method required more time, but this did not affect its popularity among the participants. Compared with the LBL learning mode, the PRI-E learning mode was more organized and efficient in oral and maxillofacial oncology education without affecting academic performance. This model has a high degree of satisfaction, which is conducive to training students' comprehensive ability.

Application of flipped classroom teaching method based on ADDIE concept in clinical teaching for neurology residents

BackgroundAs an important medical personnel training system in China, standardized residency training plays an important role in enriching residents’ clinical experience, improving their ability to communicate with patients and their clinical expertise. The difficulty of teaching neurology lies in the fact that there are many types of diseases, complicated conditions, and strong specialisation, which puts higher requirements on residents’ independent learning ability, the cultivation of critical thinking, and the learning effect. Based on the concept of ADDIE (Analysis-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation), this study combines the theory and clinical practice of flipped classroom teaching method to evaluate the teaching effect, so as to provide a basis and reference for the implementation of flipped classroom in the future of neurology residency training teaching.MethodsThe participants of the study were 90 neurology residents in standardised training in our hospital in the classes of 2019 and 2020. A total of 90 residents were divided into a control group and an observation group of 45 cases each using the random number table method. The control group used traditional teaching methods, including problem based learning (PBL), case-based learning (CBL), and lecture-based learning (LBL). The observation group adopted the flipped classroom teaching method based on the ADDIE teaching concept. A unified assessment of the learning outcomes of the residents was conducted before they left the department in the fourth week, including the assessment of theoretical and skill knowledge, the assessment of independent learning ability, the assessment of critical thinking ability, and the assessment of clinical practice ability. Finally, the overall quality of teaching was assessed.ResultsThe theoretical and clinical skills assessment scores achieved by the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The scores of independent learning ability and critical thinking ability of the observation group were better than those of the control group, showing statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). The observation group was better than the control group in all indicators in terms of Mini-Cex score (P < 0.05). In addition, the observation group had better teaching quality compared to the control group (P < 0.001).ConclusionBased on the concept of ADDIE combined with flipped classroom teaching method can effectively improve the teaching effect of standardized training of neurology residents, and had a positive effect on the improvement of residents’ autonomous learning ability, critical thinking ability, theoretical knowledge and clinical comprehensive ability.

Case-based EBM instruction for Osteopathic Medical Students: A Case Report

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is an important part of graduate medical education and a learning outcome necessary for preparing students to become effective residents. However, many medical educators and librarians struggle to offer EBM instruction that is contextualized, relevant, and engaging. Case-based learning (CBL) can establish the relevance of EBM instruction sessions by using clinical scenarios that link theory to practice. Experience: This case report describes how a college of osteopathic medicine (COM) liaison librarian redesigned a large cohort, lecture-based learning approach to EBM instruction into interactive, relevant, and contextualized CBL labs. CBL labs with smaller student groups were designed to provide an active learning environment and encourage peer-to-peer learning. The CBL format has been previously applied to EBM instruction but not quantifiably evaluated. A modified rubric was created to provide a quantifiable measurement of student performance in future evaluations. Discussion: First-year osteopathic medical students participated in CBL sessions, integrating EBM into their curriculum. The small groups facilitated personalized guidance, peer-to-peer learning, and critical thinking. Clinical scenarios that were mapped to the students’ curriculum provided relevance to the learning experience. The CBL format allowed the librarian to support students individually and increased engagement compared to lecture-based learning. Challenges included assessing the students’ prior EBM knowledge and the time commitment for a solo librarian. However, group assignments and a grading rubric helped to minimize the challenge. Conclusion: The initial pilot testing of this instructional design format and rubric has shown promise in reaching the objectives of providing a relevant and active learning platform with quantifiable results. A future randomized controlled trial is planned to provide quantifiable evidence supporting CBL labs for EBM instruction when compared to lecture-based learning

Blended learning in nursing pharmacology: elevating cognitive skills, engagement and academic outcomes.

Pharmacological education is crucial for healthcare professionals to safely manage medications and reduce errors. Traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) often struggles to address this complexity, whereas newer methods, such as flipped classrooms and problem-based learning, yield mixed results, particularly in pre-clinical contexts, owing to students' limited experience. Our nursing pharmacology course under LBL recorded a high failure rate of 37.8% and marginal passing scores across five cohorts (n = 849 students). An analysis using Bloom's taxonomy revealed significant gaps in higher-order cognitive skills. As a remedy, the course was transformed into a novel blended learning format that integrated question-based learning (QBL) to enhance critical thinking across all cognitive levels. This model blends asynchronous and synchronous learning, is tailored to individual needs in large classes, and fosters continuous, student-centric learning. The redesign markedly decreased the failure rate by approximately 2.8-fold and increased the average grade by 11.8 points among 426 students. It notably improved the pass rates in advanced cognitive categories, such as "Evaluate" and "Create" by 19.0% and 24.2%, respectively. Additionally, the blended course showed increased student engagement, reflecting a dynamic and effective learning environment that significantly elevated participation and academic outcomes at all cognitive levels. This study demonstrated the profound impact of blended learning in pharmacology. By integrating QBL with various teaching methods, it surpasses traditional lecture-based limitations, enhancing engagement and understanding of complex topics by nursing students. Notable improvements in foundational and advanced learning suggest its broader application in health professionals' education, effectively equipping students for clinical pharmacology challenges.

Comparing the effects of team-based and problem-based learning strategies in medical education: a systematic review

BackgroundRecently, there has been a concerted effort within medical schools to depart from conventional lecture-based learning approaches to alternative teaching methods such as team-based learning (TBL) and problem-based learning (PBL), with the aim of enhancing both student engagement and instructional efficacy. Despite this shift, a comprehensive review that directly compares the impacts of PBL and TBL methods in medical education is lacking. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a meta-analysis that compares the effects of TBL and PBL in the context of medical education.MethodsStudies from Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Wanfang Database were searched, from inception to July 11, 2023. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0, and a total of 10 studies (including 752 participants) were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to estimate pooled effects. Heterogeneity was detected using the I2 statistic and further explored using meta-regression analysis.ResultsCompared with PBL, TBL significantly increased the number of theoretical tests (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.02–0.73). Additionally, TBL greatly improved teamwork skills compared with PBL. However, there were no significant differences between the TBL and PBL groups concerning practical skill scores, learning interest, or understanding skills.ConclusionTBL in the theoretical aspects of medical education appears to be more effective than PBL in improving theoretical test scores and teamwork skills, providing evidence for the implementation of TBL in medical education.

Combining lecture-based and team-based learning to improve clinical immunology practice effects in the laboratory department of a teaching hospital in China

Objectives: In order to cope with the severe situation of the current COVID-19 epidemic and to provide better quality medical staffs for the Chinese medical system, as well as to promote the continuous development of clinical laboratory medicine towards standardization, normalization and technical automation. The application value of the lecture-based learning (LBL) and team-based learning (TBL) dual-track mode for internship in the clinical immunology subgroup of the laboratory department was evaluated in conjunction with the current undergraduate education mode of clinical laboratory technology in China, to provide a more efficient method for enhancing the comprehensive ability of interns in the laboratory department. Methods: A total of 61 laboratory interns from the grade 2017 of Southwest Medical University in China were collected and randomly divided into two groups: A and B. The group A adopted the traditional LBL teaching mode, and group B used the LBL-TBL dual-track teaching mode. The students' comprehensive abilities such as theoretical knowledge and experimental skills under the teaching models were compared. And finally the teaching effect was evaluated by theoretical assessment and questionnaire. Results: The satisfaction rate of group B was remarkably higher than that of group A in terms of analyzing skills, problems-solving ability and clinical operation (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups involving in theoretical achievement levels (P &gt; 0.05), but group B had a greater satisfaction rate than group A for enhancing theoretical knowledge acquisition. Conclusions: The LBL-TBL dual-track teaching mode plays a positive role for the internship in the laboratory department, which helps to improve the independent learning capability, analyzing skills and problems-solving ability. The LBL-TBL dual-track teaching method is worth further promotion in clinical immunology practice of the laboratory department.

The Impact of Social-Emotional Learning Interventions in Teacher Education

Social-emotional learning (SEL) plays a vital role in the realm of daily teaching and learning. As a significant pedagogical approach, it profoundly influences the teaching methods and philosophies employed by educators. This article delves into a comprehensive examination of the various forms of SEL intervention in teacher education and their resulting outcomes. Drawing upon a meticulous review of 16 previous scholarly articles, this research identifies two primary types of SEL interventions: lecture-based learning and participatory learning. The study demonstrates that SEL interventions effectively enhance teachers Social and Emotional Competence (SEC) development, foster robust teacher-student relationships, promote teachers professional growth, and contribute to overall teacher well-being. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that the article highlights the potential influence of teachers and pre-service teachers ethnicity or racial backgrounds, as well as the prevailing school climate, on the effectiveness of SEL interventions, thus potentially hindering these interventions from achieving optimal results. This article presents an insightful and comprehensive overview of the association between SEL interventions and teacher education. The findings underscore the importance of encouraging educators to actively engage in SEL intervention programs while emphasizing the need for interventions to be tailored to accommodate the unique personal teaching experiences and individual backgrounds of teachers.

Comparative study of cooperative-learning and lecture-based-learning in teaching classification of living things among Senior High School students in Tamale

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Lecture-Based-Learning (LBL) and Cooperative-Learning (CL) in teaching ‘classification of living things’ to Senior High School (SHS) students in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana. The study was conducted in two SHSs using two science classes offering Biology during the 2020–2021 academic year. A pretest-post-test nonequivalent quasi-experimental design with two experimental groups was used. A total of 75 students from two intact classes participated in the study. One of the classes (School A) comprising 39 students was taught using LBL while the other class (School B) comprising 36 students was taught using CL. The study used a teacher-made test to collect the data. The data was analyzed using reliability analysis and a t-test in SPSS. Results revealed that CL recorded a mean score of 30.33 and was more effective (p < .001) than LBL which recorded 23.26. In conclusion, CL methods should be encouraged to enhance students’ performance and retention.

Application and evaluation of the hybrid "Problem-Based Learning" model based on "Rain Classroom" in experimental courses of medical molecular biology.

With the advancement of society, the cultivation of medical professionals equipped with solid theoretical knowledge, a strong sense of innovation, and critical thinking has become a crucial goal in the reform of medical higher education. Over recent years, the hybrid Problem-Based Learning (hPBL) model, a blend of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Lecture-Based Learning (LBL), has emerged as a novel approach in the medical education reform landscape of China. The application and efficacy of the hPBL model in medical experimental courses have piqued the interest of medical educators. The aim of this study was to appraise the application and effectiveness of the hPBL model in the experimental course of Medical Molecular Biology at Beihua University. Utilizing the "Rain Classroom" platform, students from the Preventive Medicine and Medical Imaging programs were allocated to either the hPBL or LBL method for their Medical Molecular Biology experimental courses. The hPBL model's impact on students' performance was evaluated across four domains: experimental theory, experimental operation, experimental report, and practical application. Questionnaires were employed to gauge students' experiences and perceptions. The results indicated that the final assessment scores of the hPBL group were significantly superior to those of the LBL group. Moreover, the hPBL model effectively amplified students' self-learning capability, practical application skills, and communication competencies. Students expressed a high degree of satisfaction with this blended learning model. The hPBL model, which amalgamates PBL and LBL, has demonstrated its effectiveness in medical education. Its implementation in the experimental course of Medical Molecular Biology at Beihua University yielded positive outcomes, enhancing students' performance and satisfaction levels. Consequently, it is recommended that the hPBL model be further promulgated in other medical experimental courses.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Team-based Learning Activities on Learning Outcomes in the Undergraduate Immunology Classroom.

Immunology is inherently interdisciplinary. Understanding how the immune system functions requires knowledge from several scientific disciplines, including molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. Furthermore, immunology is conceptually complex, requiring the identification of a plethora of immune components and mastery of a large volume of new vocabulary. These attributes can pose challenges to student learning in the undergraduate immunology classroom. Team-based learning (TBL) is a pedagogical method used to increase student engagement in learning, improve student collaboration, and develop communication skills. In a variety of educational settings, TBL activities have been shown to foster a deeper understanding of complex topics, increase student confidence in course content, and improve learning outcomes. In this study, we examined differences in the impact of traditional lecture versus TBL activities on student learning outcomes for four different topics presented in an undergraduate adaptive immunity course composed largely of academically high-performing students. We matched content across two student cohorts, delivered via team-based learning methodology (T cell development and Ab-mediated functions) and traditional lecture (B cell development and T cell effector functions). Student learning was assessed using content questions across a range of Bloom's taxonomy levels, which demonstrated that the TBL activities did not improve examination performance over lecture-based learning in this course. However, students found this learning tool to be valuable, indicating that the TBL activities assisted with preparation for examinations and provided a necessary opportunity to address misconceptions.

Implementation of problem-based learning modules in an introduction to public health course.

With traditional lecture-based learning methods often criticized for their limited ability to foster critical thinking and cognitive engagement, problem-based learning (PBL) has emerged as a promising alternative. This research investigates the impact of PBL on student learning outcomes, specifically focusing on the development of higher-order thinking skills, communication, growth mindset, and metacognitive abilities. PBL was implemented in an undergraduate public health course at a private university in the southeast US. The study was conducted in the Spring of 2022 using a convergent mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were derived from university-wide Quality Enhancement Plan surveys and a course-specific PBL survey, which were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA to assess changes in student perceptions over time. Additionally, qualitative data from open-ended survey questions were analyzed through thematic analysis, providing deeper insights into the students' experiences and perceptions of PBL. Results indicated significant improvements in student communication skills, growth mindset, and metacognitive abilities across the semester. The thematic analysis of qualitative responses corroborated these findings, revealing enhanced team collaboration, active engagement in problem-solving, and increased comfort with complex real-world issues. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting PBL and offer practical insights for implementing PBL in public health education. The study also highlights the need for institutional support in adopting innovative teaching methods like PBL, emphasizing faculty development, resource allocation, and curriculum design.

An In-Depth Analysis of Canadian Medical Students and Physicians Concussion Knowledge: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Research has shown that concussion education in a proportion of Canadian medical school curriculums is lacking. The objective of this study was to measure concussion knowledge among medical trainees, while comparing the impact of lecture-based and clinical learning on their concussion knowledge scores. Methods: A validated concussion knowledge survey was distributed to MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS4 students, as well as post-graduate learners in family medicine, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. Results: Participants with clinical learning experience (MS3 + MS4 + Residents) scored significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the concussion knowledge test when compared to pre-clinical (MS1 + MS2) participants. 42.2% of participants learned about concussions from a lecture and 28.1% learned from a student organized interest group. Only 25% of participants correctly identified the red flags associated with a concussion. Conclusion: More emphasis should be placed on teaching concussion diagnosis and management in medical education.

Teacher Thinking Paradigm in Achieving Arabic Learning Goals at State Islamic Senior High Schools in Tulungagung, East Java, Indonesia

Technology advancements have a big impact on how people learn. Knowing the condition of the millennials and Generation Z, their paradigms are considered as currently less enthused about the conventional lecture-based learning model and learning techniques as antiquated even dull particularly when studying foreign languages like Arabic. Therefore, it is quite necessary to study 1) the thinking paradigm of Arabic teachers; and 2) the role of the Arabic teacher’s thinking paradigm in achieving Arabic language learning objectives. This research took place at three State Islamic Senior High Schools in Tulungagung, East Java, Indonesia. Data sources in this research can be person, place, and paper. The data, participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation were used as data collection techniques and continued to check the validity of data-based credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Then, after the collected data were analyzed through the theory of Miles and Huberman. This result presented two points. First, the philosophical paradigm, language paradigm, learning paradigm, language learning paradigm, and Arabic language learning paradigm serve as the foundation for the thinking paradigms of Arabic teachers at State Islamic Senior High Schools in Tulungagung. Second, the paradigm of teaching readiness and learning readiness, followed by consistency with learning theory, is a key component of the Arabic teacher’s thinking paradigm that views the teacher as the learning center and the students as the learning center. This paradigm plays a significant role in the learning process.

Application of the BOPPPS-CBL model in electrocardiogram teaching for nursing students: a randomized comparison

Background/AimInterpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a vital skill for nurses in cardiology. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the bridge-in, objective, preassessment, participatory learning, post-assessment, and summary (BOPPPS) model, when combined with case-based learning (CBL), in enhancing nursing students’ ECG interpretation capabilities.Materials & methodsNursing students were randomly divided into two groups: one utilizing the BOPPPS model combined with CBL (BOPPPS-CBL), and the other employing a traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) model. All participants underwent training and completed pre- and post-course quizzes.ResultsThe BOPPPS-CBL model significantly improved nursing students’ abilities in ECG interpretation compared to the traditional LBL model group. The BOPPPS-CBL model proved to be a comprehensive and effective method for enhancing students’ attitudes towards teaching and learning.DiscussionOur study demonstrated for the first time that the BOPPPS-CBL model is an innovative and effective method for promoting nurses’ accuracy in ECG interpretation. It highlights the potential of this approach as a superior alternative to traditional learning methods.

Mental health differences in medical students based on curriculum and gender

BackgroundThe prevalence of mental health struggles among students in medical school is widely reported; however, little is known about how it is impacted by the medical school curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate differences in anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion in medical students based on gender, class year, and curriculum.MethodsAn anonymous online survey consisting of questions from established, validated questionnaires about demographics, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and personal health behaviors was sent to 817 medical students who attended Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine during the Spring of 2021. When applying to this school, each of these students had the option to choose either the problem-based learning (PBL) or lecture-based learning (LBL) curriculum track.ResultsThe survey was completed by 222 students. Females experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion than males. Students in the PBL had lower levels of emotional exhaustion than their peers in the LBL. Increase in emotional exhaustion was most pronounced between 1st and 2nd year students. Emotional exhaustion was inversely correlated with sleep and exercise.ConclusionsOn average, students who were either male or in the PBL curriculum experienced less mental distress in the form of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion than their peers. While gender continues to be an established factor in how mental distress is experienced, the reduced levels of emotional exhaustion in PBL students is a novel finding that can potentially shed light on how to better optimize medical education. Despite the inherent selection bias and lower number of PBL students, to our knowledge, this is the first study comparing two different curricula within a single institution. This finding along with a focus on good sleep and exercise habits may provide a path for improving mental health in medical students.

Team-based learning in the internal medicine clerkship didactics.

Active-learning approaches, such as team-based learning, are infrequently used in internal medicine clerkship didactics even though there is increasing evidence to suggest medical students prefer it over traditional lecture-based learning. In this study, five team-based learning sessions were incorporated into three blocks of a 12-week internal medicine clerkship. The goal of this quasi-experimental study was to compare learner engagement, satisfaction and preference between team-based learning and lecture-based learning in the internal medicine clerkship didactics. Outcomes were compared using the Classroom Engagement Survey, a satisfaction questionnaire and the Team-Based Learning Student Assessment Instrument (TBL-SAI). There was a statistically significant difference in the classroom engagement scores between team- and lecture-based learning (P < 0.0001) with a median of 39.0 and 33.0 in the team-based learning and lecture-based learning groups. For learning preference, the median TBL-SAI score was substantially above neutral. Across all team-based learning sessions, 100% of students were satisfied or strongly satisfied with the learning style as a valuable experience and as a way to learn course material, and only one student was not satisfied or strongly satisfied with team-based learning to improve problem solving skills. The classroom engagement and learning style preference findings were consistent with previously published data in other clerkship settings. Student satisfaction was more consistent with team-based learning than with the lecture-based learning, which may be because of the consistent format whereas lecture-based learning style was faculty dependent. Students preferred team-based learning and had improved engagement and satisfaction when compared to lecture-based learning. This study provides evidence in favour of team-based learning as a strategy to incorporate active learning in clerkship didactics.

Locus of Control and Pedagogy in Skill-Based Agricultural Mechanics

Teachers of agriculture have use project-based learning as a primary teaching method in agricultural mechanics since the 19th century. These methods teach the information and motivate students to engage the content. Locus of Control (LOC) categorizes the relationship with decision-making and motivation. Internal LOC have a higher level of internal motivation and desire a central role in decision-making processes. External LOC typically do not seek out opportunities for decision making. A student with an internal LOC acts on the world and a student with an external LOC believes the world acts on them. This research was to determine if students’ LOC differentiated between hands-on compared to lecture-based teaching. Students in an agricultural mechanics course at [University] (N = 38) were neither internal nor external (f =16) LOC, those with a tendency towards one or the other were more internal (f = 15) and (f = 7) were external LOC. Most students felt slightly positive toward project-based learning (M = 3.61, SD = 0.70) and slightly negative toward lecture-based learning (M = 2.78, SD = 0.85). Either LOC plays no role in students’ feelings toward project-based methods or there are so few internal students that no correlation could be detected