Medical Education

Examination of medical education
The researchgroup LEARN (Lifelong Learning, Education & Assessment Research Network) conducts research into medical education. The question "How can we teach students the best so they learn how to become a good doctor?" is central!

The LEARN's research program has three major themes: 
1. Lifelong Learning, Learning Environments and Assessment
2. Medical Skills Acquisition, Simulation and Training
3. Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation.

(1) Lifelong Learning, Learning Environments and Assessment
The first theme is eg. working with what makes a good learning environment and what (practice) reviews challenge students to activate self-regulation that lays the foundation for lifelong learning and thinking like a professional. Projects in this issue examine the principles and the effects of different learning methods, including work-based learning, problem-based learning (PBL) and learning competence. The studies typically focus on this theme:
* The measurement of learning processes and outcomes of learning environments
* Understanding of student engagement, motivation and study behavior
* The effects of examination on learning and knowledge development.

(2) Medical Skills Acquisition, Simulation and Training
The second theme focuses on acquiring medical skills through simulation and instruction, including:
* Interaction between declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge
* Design for skills training
* Design and development of simulation / games.

This theme is not limited to traditional practical / technical skills, but also skills in several different CanMEDS competences such as communication and leadership are discussed.

(3) Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation
The third theme assesses change processes associated with innovation and curriculum development, curriculum implementation and quality assurance and evaluation. The studies within this theme typically focus on:
* Leadership in change of educational projects
* Apply the best available scientific information in education for health care workers
* (Designbased / action research) specific innovations, such as the programmatic review, ‘dedicated transition year’, longitudinal professional development programs, et cetera.

We welcome medical students who are interested in education and training to do research in our researchgroup LEARN. LEARN consists of a multidisciplinary team of about nine principal investigators and more than 35 doctoral students. Our international network is huge, so also internship opportunities at other institutions abroad are possible.

Interested parties can contact Prof. Jaarsma, head of the research LEARN, via e-mail. A.d.c.jaarsma@umcg.nl.