Alexander Bushell CHIR20006 S0287741

Identify a central concern

This term has a lot of new concepts of learning across multiple subjects with a large amount
of assessment pieces. The greatest of these is the clinical entrance objective structured
clinical exam (OSCE) at the end of term. The strategy this term was to work hard in the
forefront of the term to allow time and energy to give towards the OSCE’s. The problem with
bringing the due dates forward in my own mind to meet the goals set out was knowing
effective learning strategies to get “more bang for my buck” and better usage of the time put
aside for university work.
Research a strategy to address the central concern

Piza et al (1) state that students should adopt a metacognition mindset, which enables them
to reflect upon the effectiveness of the learning strategies they use to achieve higher
academic achievement. The best learning strategies for myself are ones which speak to my
kinaesthetic/visual nature. Over four years of study with mixed modality teaching methods,
my auditory retention has become better, but I still prefer the two afore mentioned methods. I
try to take auditory information and convert it into something which is kinaesthetic/visual.
Horntvedt et al (2) identified interactive teaching strategies through learning activities,
learning outcomes by enhancing analytical skills, and barriers of information literacy skills
and knowledge as successful tools to implement for clinical evidence-based practice.
Implement change strategy to address the central concern
Quizlet was one of the interactive learning strategies which I utilised for the theoretical
component of the OSCE learning, particularly the thyroid, and cerebellar examinations. I was
able to test myself repetitively through a flip card system which allowed interaction and
active recall or through multiple choice answers either timed or untimed. Roleplay OSCE’s at
home or class where another example of interactive learning which allowed my partners to
give active feedback in the moment or at the conclusion of the examination for improvement.
An example of some active feedback was hand placement during anterior lung field
palpation on a female patient and utilising either the patients’ hands to hold the breast tissue
out of the way or to lay the female patient supine and allow gravity to move them laterally.
Reassess if change strategy has been successful
Between the two strategies of Quizlet or roleplaying, I found the roleplaying to be better in
long-term recall of knowledge through application, whereas Quizlet supplemented the
roleplaying. This was an exercise in deeper understanding of how I best study and retain
information which allows be to utilise my time more effectively. This will make me a better
chiropractor in the long run.

References:

1. Felipe Piza JCK, Juliette Perzhinsky, Joanna Drowos, Roni Gillis, Khen Moscovici, Theodora E.
Danciu, Agnieszka Kosowska & Holly Gooding. Awareness and usage of evidence-based leaerning
strategies among health professions students and faculty. Medical Teacher. 2019;41:1411-8.
2. May-Elin T. Horntvedt AN, Torbjorg Fermann and Elisabeth Severinsson. Strategies for
teaching evidence-based practice in nursing education: a thematic literature review. BMC Medical
Education. 2018;18:172.