Prince (2004) defines active learning as “any instructional method that engages students in the learning process. In short, active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing” (p. 223). Faculty facilitate an active learning environment when students are not only passive recipients of knowledge but are also active participants in knowledge creation and assimilation. Some examples of active learning techniques include problem-based learning, hands-on activities, gamification, case-based learning, interactive lecturing, team-based learning, class discussions, simulation, and role-play.

Feedback has been described as the “cornerstone” of effective teaching (Cantillon, 2008) and is essential for performance improvement. Feedback, whether verbal or written, should include both positive and constructive guidance for maintaining and improving knowledge, skills, and attitudes with an emphasis on improvement strategies. “Without feedback, mistakes go uncorrected, good performance is not reinforced and clinical competence is achieved empirically or not at all” (Ende, 1983).

TLC To Go is produced by the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

An overview of several learning theories and how they might be applied in health sciences education.

TLC To Go is produced by the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

The scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) is research geared towards investigating what happens in the classroom with the intent of improving teaching and learning. SoTL research can answer questions such as what effect did the strategy have on student learning, how did I teach a specific concept, what are the differences between courses or students, or what does the literature say is the best practice to teach a particular concept. The results of these investigations provide the evidence-based practices that inform scholarly teaching.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

TLC-To-Go is an AI-generated podcast produced by the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Course syllabi provide students and faculty with a road map for successfully navigating a course including details about content, requirements, assignments, assessments, policies, resources, schedule, expectations, and responsibilities. In addition, syllabi act as an agreement (invitation) between the faculty and students about how the course will function including promises of what students will learn during the course and how they will demonstrate learning. Syllabi should be valuable, succinct, and accessible to your students. 

Syllabus Design

TLC-To-Go is an AI-generated podcast produced by the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Online learning has been described as internet-based course(s) that occur synchronously (real-time) and/or asynchronously (not in real-time). During online courses, students and faculty engage in learning through the use of technology, e.g., Blackboard. Benefits of online learning include convenience (24/7 access), flexibility, student-centered learning, and expansion of the curriculum to global resources.

Online Learning

TLC-To-Go is an AI-generated podcast produced by the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are transforming student learning by enabling more personalized, responsive, and engaging educational experiences. In health sciences education, where students must master complex knowledge and clinical reasoning, AI can provide tailored support that enhances comprehension and skill development. These tools include AI tutors that give instant feedback on case studies, generative AI applications that scaffold student writing, and adaptive quiz systems that adjust difficulty based on performance. Whether used to generate practice questions, provide 24/7 access to tutoring, or assist with concept review, AI can empower students to take a more active and self-directed role in their learning.

AI to Support Student Learning

TLC-To-Go is an AI-generated podcast produced by the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Creating a welcoming classroom climate supports motivation, focus, and student participation. Research across higher education and the health sciences shows that students are more likely to engage and persist when the learning environment includes respectful relationships, clear expectations, and visible support structures. Faculty also report greater satisfaction and teaching effectiveness in environments where students are connected, responsive, and able to interact openly with their instructors and peers.

These environments are shaped through intentional planning, small routines, and ongoing reflection. In health sciences education, where learners often navigate high-stakes content and demanding environments, a welcoming classroom can be the foundation for both academic success and professional development.

Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment

TLC-To-Go is an AI-generated podcast produced by the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

AI is reshaping assessment in health science education, providing tools for personalized, precise evaluations that help identify learner strengths and areas for improvement. While AI can enhance formative assessment, relying on it too heavily may limit the development of critical thinking and adaptability—skills essential for healthcare practice. Educators play a key role in maintaining the integrity of assessment by combining AI tools with sound instructional practices and the human connection that supports meaningful learning. This shift redefines their role—from delivering content to guiding students in navigating, analyzing, and applying information within AI-supported, team-based environments. When used with intention, AI can strengthen learning and support professional growth without compromising educational quality.