Comparative educational outcomes of an active versus passive learning continuing professional development activity on...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Respiratory Care
• Professional Development

Background:

• Continuing professional development (CPD) is crucial for healthcare educators.
• Identifying effective CPD learning activities for respiratory educators is essential for improving patient care.
• Self-management support is a key area for respiratory educator training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the educational outcomes of active versus passive learning methods in CPD for respiratory educators.
• To assess the impact of different learning approaches on knowledge, competence, and reflection regarding self-management support.

Main Methods:

• A non-randomized controlled mixed-methods study was conducted with respiratory educators.
• Participants engaged in either active learning (role-play simulations) or passive learning (lectures).
• Knowledge and self-reported competence were measured pre- and post-activity using questionnaires; interviews were also conducted.

Main Results:

• Active learning significantly increased knowledge scores compared to passive learning.
• Passive learning showed a greater increase in self-reported competence scores.
• Educators in the active learning group demonstrated a greater need for further skill development in self-management support.

Conclusions:

• Active learning CPD enhances knowledge application and promotes critical reflection on self-management support skills among respiratory educators.
• While passive learning may boost perceived competence, active learning fosters deeper engagement and skill refinement.
• These findings highlight the importance of active learning strategies in effective professional development for respiratory educators.