Active learning through discussion: ICAP framework for education in health professions

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Medical Education

Background:

• The ICAP framework categorizes cognitive engagement into Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive modes.
• Discussions are a key interactive engagement strategy in medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the impact of self-study preceding discussions on student performance.
• Examine the effect of question generation before discussions in health professions education.

Main Methods:

• 129 health professions students participated in four trial groups.
• Post-test scores and Subjective Mental Effort Questionnaire data were collected.
• Performance analyzed using Bonferroni test; mental effort analyzed using mediation analysis.

Main Results:

• The self-study and question generation group achieved the highest post-test scores.
• The lecture and summary group performed the lowest.
• Mental effort mediated the relationship between study conditions and performance.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the ICAP framework in medical education.
• Active learning strategies like self-study and question generation enhance learning outcomes.
• These active learning methods are practical for improving medical student engagement and performance.