Role of Reinforcement of Learning Across the Continuum of Medical Education: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to perform a scoping review of the literature to evaluate evidence showing the role of reinforcement strategies on student learning in medical education. Methods: Scoping review design represents a methodology that allows assessment of emerging evidence, as well as a first step in research development. This scoping review includes research papers describing any teaching learning strategy or educational intervention that used Reinforcement of learning at any time during the learning process. Online databases were used to identify articles in the years 2009-2019, from which 10 publications from Canada and the United States and 6 from other nations were selected. Data collected from the sources were charted with the help of a self-developed form, inclusive of names of authors and year of publication, type of article, country of origin, sample size, objectives, and key findings of study. Results: This review shows that reinforcement strategies still have a high impact on student learning. Reinforcing the taught material in medical education enhances student learning and retention and a strengthening of knowledge, skills and attitudes contributes to enhanced learning throughout the continuum of medical education and plays a vital role in developing internally motivated lifelong learners. Conclusion: Evidence from literature suggests that there is extensive application of reinforcement strategies for enhancing learning in the field of medical education. Reinforcement of taught material has a positive impact on student learning and is an effective approach to medical education.