The lecture-free curriculum: Setting the stage for life-long learning: AMEE Guide No. 135

Abstract

In this AMEE Guide we propose that instruction in health sciences education transform to ‘lecture-free.’ We present rationale for this proposal, guidance on approaches and strategies to achieve the goal, likely challenges, and what we consider the value-added outcomes. We are supported by a confluence of factors: advances in the science of learning and the learning of science and clinical reasoning, incontrovertible evidence that active and engaged learning strategies have better outcomes, current and emerging technology infrastructure in and out of the classroom, and best-practice instructional design.

Keywords:

• Curriculum
• instructional design
• methods
• curriculum infrastructure
• feedback

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dean Parmelee

Dean Parmelee, MD, is Director of Educational Scholarship and Program Development at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. He works with faculty and students to enhance the scholarship of teaching and learning, and consults with institutions of higher learning on curricula innovation.

Brenda Roman

Brenda Roman, MD, is Associate Dean for Medical Education and Chair of the Department of Medical Education at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She spearheaded the transition to the WrightCurriculum, a lecture-free curriculum. She is the Chair-elect of the Undergraduate Medical Education Section of the Group for Educational Affairs of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Irina Overman

Irina Overman, MD, is an internist and geriatrician and serves as Director of Foundations of Clinical Practice in the WrightCurriculum at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She also directs two of the modules within the Foundations phase and champions the use Peer Instruction in medical education.

Maryam Alizadeh

Maryam Alizade, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Department of Medical Education and Education Development Center (EDC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). She is Director of the Faculty Development Unit and the International Affairs Unit within the Education Development Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. She has been involved in designing and implementing active learning methods for the reformed MD curriculum and is consultant of active teaching and learning methods in the medical school of TUMS.