Learning experiences in medical education

This paper explores learning experiences from both a general and a medical education perspective. A broad range of learning experiences, both planned and incidental, are identified. The former is dealt with in greater detail as it would seem to have more immediate practical relevance. Ultimately, all learning experiences should in some way be linked to the stated learning objectives. Planned learning experiences cover such traditional teaching-learning methods as lectures, tutorials, projects and assignments. The application and explosion of new technologies is also discussed. Modern computer, video and Internet technology is playing an increasing role in medical education, particularly in bringing rural and remote participants into closer contract with their city counterparts. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are examined. A successful approach to teaching and learning in medical education is likely to involve the application of a number of different types of learning experiences.