Case Based Learning at Cardiff University School of Medicine

Summary

The transcript discusses Contextualized Learning (CBL), a method where students learn through discussion and exploration. It highlights the importance of glycogen stores and the two-week case study pattern where students are given a reveal and expected to find and validate information. The script emphasizes the development of research and teamwork skills, clinical relevance, and the integration of self-directed learning, group sessions, and placements. It also mentions the use of simulation suites for practice and the importance of proactive learning in CBL.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Contextualized Learning**: CBL focuses on learning through discussion and exploration, enhancing understanding and retention.
• 🕒 **Duration of Glycogen Stores**: Glycogen stores last about 16 hours without food intake, which is a key fact in the learning process.
• 📈 **Learning Outcomes**: Students are expected to identify gaps in their knowledge and actively seek out information to fill these gaps.
• 👩‍🏫 **Self-Directed Learning**: The process involves students finding and validating information, preparing them for independent research as doctors.
• 👥 **Teamwork**: Each CBL group consists of about 10 people, fostering close collaboration and essential teamwork skills for future medical practice.
• 🏥 **Clinical Relevance**: The curriculum is designed to make learning clinically relevant, motivating students by connecting science to practical applications.
• 📚 **Organization through Cases**: Learning is compartmentalized into cases, starting with limited knowledge and building up through self-directed study.
• 🏛️ **Diverse Learning Spaces**: Students utilize seminar rooms, libraries, anatomy centers, and lecture theaters to support various learning styles.
• 📅 **Placements and Practical Experience**: Weekly placements in hospitals provide real-world context, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
• 🤖 **Simulation Training**: Simulation suites offer a safe environment to practice clinical skills on mock patients before applying them in real scenarios.
• 🔄 **Proactive Learning Approach**: CBL requires students to be proactive in seeking information, contrasting with a passive approach to learning.

Q & A

What is CBL and how does it relate to contextualized learning?

CBL stands for Contextualized Learning, which is a method where students learn through discussion and exploration within a context. It involves active learning and self-directed research to gain knowledge.

How long do glycogen stores typically last without eating according to the script?

Glycogen stores last about 16 hours without eating, as mentioned in the script.

What is the usual pattern of a CBL case as described in the transcript?

The usual pattern of a CBL case involves receiving a reveal on the first day, creating learning outcomes based on what is unknown, and then researching and reporting back on what has been learned.

Why is it important for students to learn how to find information independently?

Students need to learn how to find information independently so that as future doctors, they can locate and validate necessary information without relying on others to deliver content.

How does the script describe the size and benefits of a CBL group?

Each CBL group consists of about 10 people, which allows for close familiarity within the group and fosters teamwork skills essential for a medical career.

What is the clinical relevance of the cases in CBL as per the transcript?

The clinical relevance of CBL cases makes students feel like they are learning science for a practical reason, which helps motivate them and makes learning easier.

What types of learning environments are mentioned in the script for CBL sessions?

The script mentions seminar rooms for group sessions, libraries for self-directed learning, anatomy centers for dissection and prosection, and lecture theatres for lectures.

How often do students go on placements and what is the significance of these placements?

Students go on placements every Tuesday. These placements are significant as they provide real-world clinical experience, which helps in understanding and remembering the learned topics.

What is the importance of simulation in the learning process as described in the script?

Simulation is important as it allows students to practice scenarios on mock patients before performing them on real patients, thus enhancing their skills and confidence.

How does the script suggest students should approach CBL to get the most out of it?

The script suggests that students should be proactive, self-driven, and not passive in their approach to CBL. Embracing active learning is key to enjoying and benefiting from the course.