Small group learning/assessment sessions: A method using test enhanced learning to increase engagement in a basic medical science neuroanatomy course

Previous research has shown that test-enhanced learning with structured feedback facilitates durable learning. We describe a small group learning/assessment activity using these approaches intended to increase engagement and engagement with the course material. We divided our class into six groups of seven students each that worked together in the activity. During each weekly session, course related multiple choice questions were projected and each group instructed to work independently to arrive at a consensus answer for each question. After each question is considered, a faculty facilitator then randomly selects one group to share their choice with the other groups and provide and rationale for their choice. A different group or groups are then called upon to share their choice. When differences emerge, the instructor then facilitates discussion among the groups in an effort to resolve confusion or incomplete or incorrect understanding that becomes evident. We found that attendance for these sessions was greater than for the more traditional lecture based session also included in the course and that students were actively engaged in this learning activity. The success of the small group learning/assessment session is dependent on several factors including the difficulty of the questions and their relatedness to the course objectives, the timing and placement of the session or sessions within the course and the skill of the faculty facilitator in encouraging active participation while ensuring a safe environment in which students can openly share their sometimes incomplete or incorrect understanding of the material.