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Objective measure of incidental learning in oncology
Author(s) -
HAYS D. M.,
HOFFMAN KAAREN I.,
SIEGEL S. E.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2923.1981.tb02637.x
Subject(s) - medicine , test (biology) , medical education , institution , radiation oncology , medline , family medicine , oncology , paleontology , political science , law , biology , radiation therapy
Summary The learning experience of 150 third‐year medical students in the specific area of paediatric oncology during a 6‐week required paediatric clerkship, was assessed. The clerkship, during which emphasis is placed on patient contact, was based at each of two institutions (A and B). Institution A, with a large relevant patient population and more teaching staff in the field of paediatric oncology, relies primarily on incidental learning relative to this area during the clerkship. Institution B, with smaller related patient groups and teaching staff, employs didactic instruction in this field. Results of pre‐ and post‐testing at both institutions revealed comparable and significant gain in information relative to paediatric oncology in both student groups. Pre‐test scores did not increase during the course of the school year, suggesting that the influence of specific prior clerkships was negligible. Differences in the amount learned between individual student rotational groups were less marked in institution A, where opportunities to contact patients and teaching staff concerned with this specific area, was more consistent.