Last Reviewed:September 16, 2025 First Published:May 23, 2022 Theory and Key Theorists How Learning Occurs Key Principles Best Used to Teach Learning Activities Behaviorism Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Thorndike A change in behavior Observable behavior is learning focus Environment influences learning Reinforcement is key Clinical Skills Procedural Skills Simulation case scenarios Observation of skills Using… Read More
Learning outcomes, frequently interchanged with the term learning objectives, are measurable statements that describe what students should know, be able to do, and value by the end of an educational experience, course, program, etc. Learning outcomes communicate the major components of the educational experience to the students who can then focus their efforts on what… Read More
Class discussions offer many pedagogical benefits, including building community and offering faculty the chance to informally assess student learning. These class discussions can take many forms, including structured, semi-structured, or informal discussion sessions. When planning a class discussion, it is helpful to have a clearly defined goal for the session. In addition to establishing a goal, faculty should consider what preparation students need in advance of a discussion and how… Read More
Hurtubsie et al. (2015) described the flipped classroom as “the practice of assigning students didactic material, traditionally covered in lectures, to be learned before class while using face-to-face time for more engaging and active learning strategies” such as case-based or team-based learning, reflection, simulations, or discussions. By flipping the classroom, students are given the opportunity… Read More
Feedback has been described as the “cornerstone” of effective teaching (Cantillon, 2008) and is essential for performance improvement. Feedback, whether verbal or written, should include both positive and constructive guidance for maintaining and improving knowledge, skills, and attitudes with an emphasis on improvement strategies. “Without feedback, mistakes go uncorrected, good performance is not reinforced and… Read More
Experiential learning is a student-centered pedagogical strategy that emphasizes the significant role of real-life experiences and critical reflection to promote learning. David Kolb (1984) described experiential learning as “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience” (p. 38) and developed a four-stage learning cycle. In Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, students actively engage… Read More
Engaging lectures keep your audience focused while providing new insight and stimulating thinking and analysis. Active lecturing can motivate your audience to develop new skills and think in new ways. Last Reviewed:September 15, 2025 First Published:March 8, 2022 Use the comments section below to let us know your thoughtsabout engaging lectures. Take it on the… Read More
Effective presentations are audience-centered. They keep the audience focused while they are informed or persuaded. Effective presentation techniques ensure that your students and peers engage with your ideas in a meaningful way. Mastering the art of effective presentations can even help you to win friends or influence people. Last Updated:September 15, 2025 First Published:June 17,… Read More
Assessment tools can help faculty evaluate how well their learners have met learning goals and objectives. Faculty can use formal assessment tools, like examinations and quizzes, to gauge student learning. Additionally, faculty can use informal assessment tools like in-class discussion, two-sentence mini-papers in class, brief student surveys or Socratic questioning, to determine if students are… Read More
Aligned course design means that your learning goals, objectives, assessment tools, and teaching strategies all tie together to support student learning. Aligned course design begins with identifying overarching learning goals, developing measurable learning objectives, and then designing assessment tools to evaluate how well learners have met these objectives. Generally, this process of beginning with your… Read More
