In this APS Publications Podcast, Lisa Carney Anderson discusses the findings from the paper "Alignment of learning objectives, assessments, and active learning to promote critical thinking in a first-year medical physiology course." This paper highlights the authors' introduction of formative assessments and study techniques to first-year medical students in a physiology course. Mastery of learning objectives was emphasized as the key to success. The students were asked how they studied physiology through an anonymous online survey and focus group interviews. The students enjoyed physiology but had difficulty with exam expectations. Helping students use learning objectives to guide their study may lead to improved exam scores. It may also help administrators meet their curriculum goals.

Alignment of learning objectives, assessments, and active learning to promote critical thinking in a first-year medical physiology course: lessons learned