Lessons from the Nautilus Moving Toward Learner Centered

Lessons from the Nautilus Moving Toward Learner. Centered Teaching David M. Deci, M. D. Assistant Professor of Family Medicine West Virginia University 6/17/2021

Learning Objectives n n n Describe the educational process from the perspective of the learner’s needs, expectations, and skill levels. Identify components of the learner-teacher dyad that assist in promoting learnercentered education. Discuss skills and techniques that enhance learner-centered education. 6/17/2021

“The Chambered Nautilus” “Year after year beheld the silent toil That spread his lustrous coil; Still, as the spiral grew, He left the past year’s dwelling for the new…” Oliver Wendell Holmes, M. D. 6/17/2021

The Learner and the Nautilus n n n 6/17/2021 Still largely a mystery Spends most time in deep water Can self-regulate density Adds chambers as it grows Unchanged in 400 million years Has eye that cannot focus

What is Learner-Centered Teaching? How do you define it? How do you know it when you see it? How do you implement it in healthcare education? 6/17/2021

Learner – Centered Education: A Dual Focus n Focuses on individual learners and what they bring to the learning venue n n n Background Talents Interests Needs and Capacities Focuses on learning n n How learning occurs What teaching practices are most effective Mc. Combs, B. L. , & Whisler, J. S. (1997). The learner-centered classroom and school: Strategies for increasing student motivation and achievement. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 6/17/2021

The Learner as Center n n Requires understanding educational context Promotes life long learning skills Places responsibility on learner Sees teacher as facilitator and guide Arizona Faculties Council (AFC) Definition of Learner-Centered Education Approved by the Arizona Board of Regents in January 2000 6/17/2021

Learner-Centered Education n n 6/17/2021 Individualistic Flexible Competency-based Varied in methodology Not constrained by place and time

Premises of Learner-Centered Model n n n Learners are distinct and unique Learner differences are multi-factorial Constructive learning is linked to relevancy Learning requires a positive environment Learning is natural 6/17/2021

The Psychological and Educational Framework adapted from the American Psychological Association Center for Psychology in Schools and Education n Learning is most effective when it is an intentional process of constructing meaning from information and experience. n The learner goal is to create meaningful and coherent representations of knowledge 6/17/2021

The Psychological and Educational Framework adapted from the American Psychological Association Center for Psychology in Schools and Education n The successful learner can link new information with existing knowledge in meaningful ways. n The successful learner can create and use a repertoire of thinking and reasoning strategies to achieve complex learning goals. 6/17/2021

The Psychological and Educational Framework adapted from the American Psychological Association Center for Psychology in Schools and Education n Higher order strategies facilitate creative and critical thinking. “Thinking about thinking”. n Learning is influenced by environment including culture, technology, and instructional practices. 6/17/2021

The Psychological and Educational Framework adapted from the American Psychological Association Center for Psychology in Schools and Education n What and how much is learned is influenced by the learner’s motivation. n Intrinsic motivation is stimulated by tasks of optimal novelty and difficulty relevant to interest, personal choice, and control. 6/17/2021

The Psychological and Educational Framework adapted from the American Psychological Association Center for Psychology in Schools and Education n Acquisition of complex knowledge and skills requires extended learner effort and guided practice. n Learning is most effective when differential physical, intellectual, emotional and social development is taken into account. 6/17/2021

The Psychological and Educational Framework adapted from the American Psychological Association Center for Psychology in Schools and Education n Learning is influenced by social interactions, interpersonal relationships and communication with others. n Learners have different learning approaches and strategies that are a function of prior experience and heredity. 6/17/2021

The Psychological and Educational Framework adapted from the American Psychological Association Center for Psychology in Schools and Education n Learning is most effective when differences in linguistics, cultural and social backgrounds are taken into account. n Setting high and challenging standards and assessing learner progress are integral to the learning process. 6/17/2021

So How Do We Accomplish This? Remember: n Paradigm shifts can be challenging yet rewarding n Simple things can make a big difference n Learning occurs both informally and incidentally 6/17/2021

Key Questions for YOU! n What is it my learners need to know and be able to do during their professional lives? n What skills and knowledge will stand the test of time, given the dynamic nature of knowledge and information? 6/17/2021

Simple Take-Home Tips n n Use your syllabus wisely. Allow student input. Quiz knowledge about the syllabus. Discuss classroom climate, learning environment and expectations. Develop a list of skills and competencies that need to be mastered. Use short activities routinely. Use supplementary materials, matrices and concept mapping. 6/17/2021

More Take-Home Tips n n n Have students self-assess own work and performance. Leave one question blank on the exam. Have students write a question anticipated but not asked. Ask students to meet with you if they do poorly on exams. 6/17/2021

More Take-Home Tips n n n Use formative and summative feedback effectively. Do not blind side the learner. Asks students to reflect upon what they learned. “What three things did you learn this morning in clinic? ” Ask students to reflect upon their emotional and cognitive development. 6/17/2021

Final Take-Home Tips n n Ask for student feedback about teaching methods. Utilize feedback to enhance your teaching style. Be aware of the power of the “Hidden Curriculum”. Look for ways to be a partner in learning. Be humble and keep a sense of humor. 6/17/2021

Summary “Learning is not a spectator sport. Students do not learn as much just by sitting in class listening to teachers, memorizing repackaged assignments, and spitting out answers. They must talk about what they are learning, write about it, relate it to past experiences, apply it to their daily lives. They must make what they learn part of themselves. ” Chickering, A. W. and Gamson, Z. F. (1987) 6/17/2021

Lessons from the Nautilus pompilius 6/17/2021