Planning for Active Learning in the Didactic Classroom

Driven by the convergence of the exponential growth of medical knowledge and the dated medical education delivery system, educators in physician assistant (PA) programs are striving to create teaching practices that actively engage students, improve knowledge retention, and prepare students for a career that requires lifelong learning and reflection. The emphasis on professor-directed teaching and learning activities is shifting toward a more learner-centered approach. To incorporate appropriate active learning exercises into the PA classroom, instructors must plan, design, and execute pedagogically sound practices. In addition, instructors must find a concrete way in which to reflect on and refine their classroom exercises so that they can expand their teaching skills even while educating their students.