NEJM Knowledge+ Harnesses Best Learning Practices
In recent years, advances in cognitive science have brought new understanding of how the human brain acquires and retains information. So, just as the questions in NEJM Knowledge+ are based on the best evidence in medicine, our learning solution is grounded in the best of neuroscience and psychology. We applied several core principles of educational psychology to the design and development of NEJM Knowledge+. These include: making learning active, facilitating self-direction, maximizing the benefits of the testing effect, using repetition and reinforcement to enhance memory, and increasing learners’ self-awareness via tools that enhance metacognition.
Here’s how to put the best of cognitive science and technology to work for you.
Learn by Solving Problems
Active engagement creates more robust learning and retention and has become a widespread goal of educators from grade school to graduate school. Case-based problem solving is particularly germane to clinicians, and it triggers more active mental engagement than reading text. Placing information in context, such as a clinical case, has been shown to build stronger neural connections than memorization of facts. Building on prior knowledge by adding new information onto familiar content similarly seems to activate learning.
Take Control of Your Own Learning
Highly effective learners are proactive. Effective educational programs provide opportunities for learners to exert control of their own experience. Today, that means that the most effective programs allow learners to engage conveniently for short or longer periods of learning, in flexible circumstances (such as between patient visits or while waiting in line).
Continuously Test Yourself and Absorb the Feedback
Recalling information from memory has been shown to actually improve memory and is better than studying without testing. Even answering questions incorrectly is more effective than passive reading, especially if incorrect answers are followed by feedback. One theory is that testing prompts us to forge more connections and therefore create a more enduring network for knowledge. Another view is that answering questions trains the brain to retrieve the information when asked. Whether you call it “retrieval practice,” “test-enhanced learning,” or “the testing effect,” evidence shows that answering questions strengthens your knowledge.
Spread Out Your Learning Over Time
Known as “spaced repetition,” “spaced learning,” or “the spacing effect,” this basic principle is now widely embraced: Learning that is spread out and repeated over time is more effective than fewer, longer learning sessions. Repetition allows for reinforcement and consolidation of existing memory. Spaced repetition also is superior to memorization, which tends to be fleeting. Spaced Repetition is regarded as the most time-efficient way to learn and study.
Vary Your Approach to the Material
Combining different types of learning approaches can enhance your ability to retain information. Using different types of questions and different recall methods can be useful. Even varying the place where you study can help.
Understand Your Strengths and the Way You Learn
Metacognition is an understanding of what you know and self-awareness of where you need to improve. It is essential for self-directed learning and a key to lifelong learning. Some psychologists have theorized that great athletes differ from merely very good ones based on an ability to identify their own weaknesses and to focus efforts on improving those areas. Such active self-awareness, or metacognition, is a key to learning. In the context of board review preparation, it directs your studying. Be honest with yourself about where you are strong and especially about areas in which you need more reinforcement.
By harnessing key principles of cognitive science with advanced computer technology, NEJM Knowledge+ offers a learning tool of unparalleled efficiency. For board preparation and ongoing practice enhancement, we have put these principles of cognitive science to work for you:
| PRINCIPLE FROM COGNITIVE SCIENCE | VALUE FOR BOARD REVIEW AND LIFELONG LEARNING | FEATURE OF NEJM KNOWLEDGE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Active learning | Learning in context aids retention | Case-based questions |
| Active learning | You can dig deeper for more context | Vetted citations |
| Self-direction | Enhance retention & proactive learning | You can resume where you left off |
| Self-direction & spaced repetition | Proactive learners are the most effective | Mobile platform lets you study on your schedule |
| Spaced repetition | Enhance retention & proactive learning | Different types of questions for a single learning point |
| Spaced repetition | More opportunities to learn and reinforce topics that are difficult for you. | Adapts based on your answer correctness, time spent, and confidence |
| Metacognition | Enhance self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses | Performance metrics via My Reports |
Additional Study Tips
If you’re studying for a Certification or Maintenance of Certification exam, we don’t want you to feel like you’re on your own. Besides creating NEJM Knowledge+, we offer a variety of resources to help make exam preparation more productive and enjoyable — and exam day a success.
What’s Your Study Style?
Understanding your study style is the first step in putting together an effective strategy for board review. In investigating how physicians study, we have identified three basic styles: Planner, Crammer, and Episodic Studier.
Ten Study Tips
What does it take to prepare successfully for the board exam? Here are a 10 study tips to help with your studying efforts.
More Board Review Resources
If you’re looking for even more board review resources, we’ve compiled some of our favorites right here.