Medical students engaging in active learning with holographic anatomical structures.

Unlocking Learning: How Active Teaching Methods are Revolutionizing Medical Education

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Elliot Brynn in Mind & Education December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how medical schools in Brazil are embracing innovative teaching styles to boost student engagement and performance in physiology."


Medical education is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from traditional lecture-based learning towards more active and engaging methodologies. This shift aims to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and deeper understanding among medical students, preparing them for the complexities of modern healthcare. Universities worldwide, including those in Brazil, are starting to integrate active learning approaches into their curricula.

Traditional pre-university courses often emphasize structured lectures and memorization, many students find themselves unprepared for the self-directed, collaborative nature of active learning in higher education. This transition can present challenges, as students adapt to new expectations of reflection and critical engagement.

A recent study investigated how medical students in Salvador, Brazil, perceive the use of active methodologies in their physiology courses. The research sought to understand their experiences, preferences, and the impact of these methods on their learning. By examining student perspectives, educators can better tailor their teaching strategies to facilitate a smoother and more effective learning experience.

What Active Learning Looks Like in Medical Physiology

Medical students engaging in active learning with holographic anatomical structures.

Active learning methodologies encompass a variety of techniques that place students at the center of the learning process. These methods encourage active participation, collaboration, and critical thinking, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Examples include:

These active methodologies require students to actively construct their own knowledge, rather than passively receiving information. This approach aims to improve student performance, engagement, and overall learning outcomes.

  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Students work in small groups to solve real-world clinical cases, applying their knowledge of physiology to diagnose and treat patients.
  • Team-Based Learning (TBL): Students prepare for class by reading assigned materials, then participate in in-class activities such as quizzes, case discussions, and problem-solving exercises.
  • Jigsaw Technique: Students become "experts" on a particular aspect of a topic and then teach it to their peers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • Simulations: Students engage in simulated clinical scenarios, practicing their skills and decision-making in a safe and controlled environment.
The study revealed overwhelmingly positive student feedback regarding active learning: 94.6% of students positively evaluated the use of active learning methodologies, and 84.1% felt that it improved their learning. When questioned about replacing traditional lectures with active methods, most students preferred a blended approach, integrating elements of both. They valued the structure and guidance provided by lectures, while also appreciating the engagement and deeper understanding fostered by active learning.

The Future of Medical Education: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

The findings highlight the importance of faculty training and ongoing evaluation to ensure the successful implementation of active learning strategies. By equipping instructors with the skills and resources they need, institutions can create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.

While this study focused on medical students in Brazil, its insights are applicable to medical education worldwide. As healthcare continues to evolve, so too must the methods used to train future generations of physicians. Embracing innovation, while respecting the value of traditional approaches, is key to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The research suggests a move towards blended learning approach of combining traditional methods and active learning, as future research could explore how to refine these approaches.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1152/advan.00105.2018, Alternate LINK

Title: Medical Student Perceptions About Active Methodologies In The Study Of Physiology In Medical Schools In Salvador, Brazil

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Advances in Physiology Education

Publisher: American Physiological Society

Authors: Luiz Fernando Quintanilha, Gustavo Nunes Costa, Marcio Ramos Coutinho

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly are active learning methodologies, and how are they used in medical physiology education?

Active learning methodologies are teaching techniques that prioritize student participation and engagement. In medical physiology, this includes methods like Problem-Based Learning (PBL) where students solve clinical cases in groups, Team-Based Learning (TBL) involving pre-class preparation and in-class activities, the Jigsaw Technique where students teach each other, and Simulations providing hands-on clinical practice. These methods focus on students constructing their knowledge actively, rather than passively receiving it.

2

How does Problem-Based Learning (PBL) specifically enhance the learning experience for medical students?

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) enhances medical education by immersing students in real-world clinical scenarios. Small groups collaborate to diagnose and treat simulated patients, reinforcing their knowledge of physiology. This active application promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of medical concepts beyond traditional memorization.

3

What were the main findings regarding student perceptions of active learning versus traditional lectures?

The study indicated that 94.6% of students positively evaluated active learning methodologies, and 84.1% believed it enhanced their learning. However, students generally preferred a blended approach, integrating active methods with traditional lectures. They appreciated the structure lectures provide while also valuing the engagement and understanding that active learning fosters.

4

What key aspects of implementing active learning in medical schools were not explored in the study?

While the study highlights the positive impact of active learning in physiology courses, it doesn't extensively cover the challenges of faculty training and resource allocation. Successful implementation requires that instructors be well-equipped to facilitate these methods and that institutions provide adequate support. Further research could explore strategies for effective faculty development and resource management to maximize the benefits of active learning.

5

How might the move towards active learning methods impact students' preparedness for clinical practice in their medical careers?

The shift from traditional lectures to active learning may influence students' preparedness for clinical practice. Active learning methods like Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Simulations encourage critical thinking and decision-making in realistic scenarios. By engaging in these experiences, medical students develop crucial skills for effective patient care, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application in healthcare settings.

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