Teaching the basics

Created 2023-11-08

During a recent workshop with educators, one participant shared their insights on the challenges of teaching basic concepts to medical students, particularly in the early years of their training. This observation resonated with me, and I agree that making the basics more accessible to teach is essential. It made me curious about how we can use design thinking principles to enhance the learning experience for these students.

Key Ideas

Teaching basic concepts to medical students can be challenging due to the need to simplify complex concepts, address misconceptions, and make abstract ideas relevant.
Effective teaching of basic concepts requires careful consideration of students' prior knowledge, the use of clear language and concrete examples, and opportunities for real-world application.
Motivating students to engage with basic concepts can be difficult due to their eagerness for more advanced topics, requiring strategies to enhance relevance and engagement.
Resource limitations may hinder the effectiveness of basic concept teaching, necessitating innovative approaches and resource optimization.

Insights for Design Thinking

Emphasize understanding and application over rote memorization: Design learning experiences that focus on developing a deep understanding of basic concepts rather than simply memorizing facts. Encourage students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, simulations, and hands-on activities.
Promote active learning and engagement: Create interactive learning environments that encourage active participation from students. Utilize group discussions, problem-solving activities, and peer-to-peer learning strategies to foster engagement and collaboration.
Address misconceptions and gaps in knowledge: Implement diagnostic assessments to identify misconceptions and gaps in students' understanding. Provide targeted instruction and remediation to address these issues and ensure a solid foundation of knowledge.
Incorporate real-world relevance and context: Connect basic concepts to students' lives and experiences to make them more meaningful and relatable. Use real-world examples, case studies, and patient stories to illustrate the practical applications of fundamental knowledge.

Implications for Design Thinking in Medical Education

Design thinking principles can be effectively applied to enhance the teaching of basic concepts in medical education. By adopting a user-centered approach, medical educators can create more engaging, relevant, and effective learning experiences for students.

User-centered approach: Focus on the needs and perspectives of medical students as the primary users of learning experiences. Understand their learning preferences, and challenges to design interventions that address their specific needs.
Iterative design
Holistic perspective: Consider the broader context of medical education when designing learning experiences. Integrate basic concept teaching with other aspects of the curriculum, such as clinical rotations and skills training, to ensure a well-rounded learning journey.
Visual communication: Utilize visual aids, diagrams, and interactive graphics to enhance understanding of complex concepts. Visual representations can make abstract ideas more concrete and accessible to students.
Technology integration: Leverage technology to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. Utilize online platforms, virtual simulations, and augmented reality tools to supplement traditional teaching methods.

Metaphors

Metaphors are powerful ways to convey complex ideas in simple and memorable ways.

Learning the basics on a course is like laying the foundation for a building. You need to have a solid and stable base before you can construct the rest of the structure. Without the basics, your learning will be shaky and unstable

Learning the basics on a course is like planting a seed in fertile soil. You need to provide the right conditions for the seed to germinate and grow. The basics are the nutrients and water that nourish the seed and help it sprout. Without the basics, your learning will be stunted and withered

Learning the basics on a course is like unlocking a door to a new room. You need to have the right key to open the door and access the room. The basics are the key that fits the lock and allows you to enter. Without the basics, your learning will be limited and confined1

References

Thanprasertsuk, S., Jumrustanasan, T., Somboonkusolsil, L., Khwanjaipanich, S., Sukkee, J., Watanatada, P., Qureshi, S.P., Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi, S., 2021. The concept-sharing approach: a teaching strategy to promote objective-oriented learning and academic performance in medical students. Advances in Physiology Education 45, 369–375. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00151.2020