How to…: use small groups in medical education.
1Lecturer in Medical Education, University of New South Wales, PO Box 1, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.
Medical Teacher
|February 1, 2014
Summary
This article introduces educators to small-group learning methods in medical education. Effective implementation requires careful course planning and offers advantages for student engagement and learning.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Pedagogy
Background:
- Small-group learning is an established pedagogical approach.
- Effective implementation requires careful consideration of underlying issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce educators to the foundational principles of small-group learning.
- To provide practical guidance for facilitating effective small-group discussions.
Main Methods:
- Describing the advantages of small-group learning.
- Offering practical suggestions for facilitation.
- Highlighting the necessity of meticulous course planning.
Main Results:
- Small-group learning offers distinct advantages in medical education.
- Effective facilitation is key to maximizing benefits.
- Meticulous course planning is essential for successful integration.
Conclusions:
- Small-group methods can enhance medical education when thoughtfully implemented.
- Educators must plan meticulously for effective small-group learning.
- Future articles will detail specific applications in preclinical and clinical settings.
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