FIVE TIPS TO TRANSFORM MEDICAL STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS INTO SELF-DIRECTED LEARNERS By Ryan O’Neill and Allison Beaulieu, MD on behalf of SAEM Residents and Medical Students As COVID-19 has moved our didactic sessions out of the classroom and into our homes, more emphasis has been placed on self-study and asynchronous learning. Although we anticipate some form of in-person learning to return, it is likely that a new hybrid model for graduate medical education will exist in the future. Self-directed learning is based on the assumptions that adult learners are self-dependent, intrinsically motivated, and rely on past experiences to build on an existing knowledge base. This guide will give all users the tools needed to become a successful self-directed learner in residency and beyond!
Begin with a Self-Assessment
Where to begin? From managing a cardiac arrest to delivering a baby, emergency medicine physicians are responsible for an incredibly large breadth of knowledge and must be able to perform a diverse range of procedures and skills. It can be daunting to find a launch point for self-study; however, by starting with a self-assessment, you will be able to narrow and
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refine your focus. Seek feedback. Regularly seek feedback from your attendings and peers. You can ask for both written and verbal feedback. What do they see as your strengths? What could you improve upon? Do they see any gaps in your knowledge? Reflect. Whether you are on shift or attending conference, take time to reflect and fully understand the problem at hand. What do you need to clarify? What do you already know? How can you build upon this knowledge? Self-monitor. Self-monitoring includes your personal judgement of your abilities and awareness of a situation. How did that case go? What went well? What could be improved? What adjustments should you make? Ask for help. If you begin to feel overwhelmed or have difficulty with this initial step, understand that you do not have to do this alone. This skillset takes time to develop. It is okay to ask for help from faculty or peer mentors to refocus your learning efforts.
