Academic Primer Series: Eight Key Papers about Education Theory
Michael Gottlieb1, Megan Boysen-Osborn2, Teresa M Chan3
1Rush University Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 18, 2017
Summary
This study identifies essential education theories for junior medical educators. A curated reading list of key papers provides foundational knowledge to enhance teaching practices and promote evidence-based instruction.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Educational Theory Application
Background:
- Many educators use unproven methods, lacking knowledge of educational theory.
- Understanding educational theories leads to more effective, strategic, and evidence-based teaching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a list of key educational theories for junior faculty.
- To provide foundational knowledge for effective medical education.
Main Methods:
- Expert panel and community consensus identified relevant papers.
- A Delphi-informed voting process ranked the top educational theories.
- Novice and expert educators participated in the ranking.
Main Results:
- 34 unique papers were identified and reviewed.
- Top papers on general and specific educational theories were selected.
- Summaries and relevance for faculty were provided.
Conclusions:
- A curated reading list of 8 key papers (3 general, 5 specific theories) was created.
- This resource aims to inform junior faculty teaching.
- Foundational knowledge in education theory can enhance medical education.
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