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Science of Learning Strategy Series: Article 7, The Role of Context in Learning
Thomas J Van Hoof1, Megan A Sumeracki, Christopher R Madan
1Dr. Van Hoof: Associate Professor, University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs, and Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Storrs, CT; Dr. Sumeracki: Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI; Dr. Madan: Assistant Professor, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Summary
Learning science offers evidence-based strategies like spaced practice and retrieval practice to improve continuing professional development (CPD). Understanding contextual learning enhances information retention and performance for both CPD participants and planners.
Area of Science:
- Learning science
- Cognitive psychology
- Educational neuroscience
Background:
- Learning science provides evidence-based strategies for effective learning and memory.
- Continuing professional development (CPD) can benefit from these strategies, which are currently underutilized.
- Key strategies include distributed practice, retrieval practice, interleaving, and elaboration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the relevance of learning science strategies for continuing professional development (CPD).
- To introduce contextual learning as an evidence-based strategy for enhancing learning and retention in CPD.
- To inform CPD participants and planners about optimizing educational decisions through understanding learning science.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence-based learning science strategies.
- Discussion of the application of these strategies in the context of CPD.
- Exploration of the principles and impact of contextual learning.
Main Results:
- Learning science strategies like distributed practice and retrieval practice are underused in CPD.
- Contextual learning, which considers how learning environment affects retention, is a key evidence-based strategy.
- Informed decisions by CPD participants and planners can improve educational outcomes.
Conclusions:
- CPD can be significantly enhanced by adopting evidence-based learning science strategies.
- Understanding contextual learning is crucial for improving information retention and performance in CPD.
- Both educators and learners in CPD can benefit from applying these cognitive principles.
Keywords:
contextcontext reinstatementcontext-dependent memory effectcontextual learningcontinuing educationcontinuing professional developmentencoding specificitylearning sciencescience of learningMore Related Videos
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