How to Learn in Medical School
In this course, we begin by describing what learning is and how learning works (Module 1), and give background on how routine and adaptive expertise can be developed in health professions learners (Module 2).
In Module 3, we move on to six practical methods (testing effect, spaced repetition, interleaving, elaborative interrogation, concrete examples, and multimedia learning) that have been shown to enhance learning by decades of experimental evidence. We illustrate how these can be applied when preparing for high stakes examinations in Module 4.
In Module 5, we consider how, during the process of their own education, students can become teachers too. In Module 6, we conclude by giving practical advice for navigating medical school and applying to residency.
We include quizzes because testing and feedback improve learning, although these are only meant for your benefit. We also provide references and resources for further learning.
Throughout the course we ask that you share comments so that others in the course can learn from you. You are welcome to stop back any time to read what others have written and respond to comments on your posts.
Your Instructor
Sean is a General Internist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and Research Director for Osmosis. His career aspiration is to contribute to improvements in the quality of health professions education internationally, and he’s hoping that this course will make a difference by helping you better understand how teaching and learning occur.
Sean currently teaches curriculum development to Johns Hopkins faculty, has authored online modules on curriculum development and learning theories for Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and has taught educational skills to faculty from China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Syria, and Brazil. He also practices hospital medicine and teaches medical students and residents on the medical wards.
Traveling and eating are his favorite pastimes, and he is looking forward to the end of the pandemic and visiting family in Pittsburgh and Ahmedabad with his wife and two boys.