Andrew S Kastenmeier1, Philip N Redlich2, Catherine Fihn3, Robert Treat4, Raymond Chou5, Amy Homel3, Brian D Lewis2. 1. Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA; Division of Education in the Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA. Electronic address: akastenm@mcw.edu. 2. Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA; Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, USA; Division of Education in the Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA. 3. Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA; Division of Education in the Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA. 4. Academic Affairs, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA. 5. Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a newly implemented curricular element designed to foster self-directed learning (SDL) skills among medical students during our surgery clerkship. Our aim was to determine the impact of ILPs on educational outcomes and acquisition of SDL skills. METHODS: Students were surveyed regarding the educational value of ILPs, their acquisition of SDL skills, and the impact of the surgery clerkship on fostering these skills. Mean scores for the NBME surgery subject exam (SSE) were compared before and after implementation of the ILP requirement. RESULTS: Students perceived the ILP requirement as having strong educational value. Mean scores for the SSE increased significantly in the year following ILP implementation (74.9 vs 76.6; p = .042; d = 0.21). Students reported successful acquisition and frequent utilization of SDL skills. CONCLUSIONS: SDL exercises, such as the ILP requirement, lead to improved education outcomes while fostering the acquisition of SDL skills.
BACKGROUND: The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a newly implemented curricular element designed to foster self-directed learning (SDL) skills among medical students during our surgery clerkship. Our aim was to determine the impact of ILPs on educational outcomes and acquisition of SDL skills. METHODS: Students were surveyed regarding the educational value of ILPs, their acquisition of SDL skills, and the impact of the surgery clerkship on fostering these skills. Mean scores for the NBME surgery subject exam (SSE) were compared before and after implementation of the ILP requirement. RESULTS: Students perceived the ILP requirement as having strong educational value. Mean scores for the SSE increased significantly in the year following ILP implementation (74.9 vs 76.6; p = .042; d = 0.21). Students reported successful acquisition and frequent utilization of SDL skills. CONCLUSIONS: SDL exercises, such as the ILP requirement, lead to improved education outcomes while fostering the acquisition of SDL skills.
Authors: Derk Bransen; Marjan J B Govaerts; Ernesto Panadero; Dominique M A Sluijsmans; Erik W Driessen Journal: Med Educ Date: 2021-06-07 Impact factor: 7.647