Is med school a cult?

What makes adult learners different from young learners?

Go ahead, have a think.

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How’d you do?

Here are some of the things I came up with:

• Adults are older (duh!)

• Adults have experienced things in life and have made it this far

• Adults have more external pressures and responsibilities taking up mental energy

• Adults typically learn in higher-stakes situations

• Adults have more autonomy and can probably get up and leave if they want (usually without raising their hand for a bathroom pass)

• Adults really hate getting things wrong or looking dumb in front of peers (especially physicians/medical students)

That said, adults and children share many characteristics as learners:

• Naturally curious

• Like getting their “hands on” when learning

• Social and collaborative learning can be enjoyable

In fact, when it comes to acquiring and storing knowledge, adults and kids aren’t that different. But context and attitude set adults apart—and that’s where your approach matters. So how can you engage adult learners in active learning?

There are many ways, but since humans can hold onto 3-5 items in working memory at a time, let’s focus in on 4:

🧱 Use what they already know

Adults bring years of experience to the table. They expect their knowledge and skills to be respected. By intentionally tapping into their past experiences, you not only show that respect but also prime their minds to build on what they already know—or to find ways of reconciling new, conflicting information.

🧁 Make the upside obvious

This involves two key things:

1. Understanding their day-to-day challenges and experiences.

2. Tailoring your content so it clearly helps them achieve a goal or solve a problem

(Or, you could always bribe them with baked goods. That works too. 😆)

🤔 Allow them to struggle (a little)

Contrary to popular belief, adults don’t want to be spoon-fed. They’re self-directed and love a challenge. By introducing a bit of friction—also known as desirable difficulty—you can keep them engaged and encourage deeper learning.

🏆 Give them wins

Adults really hate looking dumb and will do almost anything to avoid it. So while it’s important to offer challenges, make sure they’re not constantly facing an uphill battle. Sprinkle in some wins along the way, so they get that sweet, sweet dopamine hit from making a breakthrough.

Resources for deeper dives:

• AMEE Guide #83 on Adult Learning Theories and Medical Education

• Self-Directed Learning in Medical Education

📖Book Recommendation!

I absolutely love both of Julie Dirksen’s books on learning design and she’s offering a 50% off sale with code: BACKTOLEARN. This offer is valid through 9/13.

I’m not an affiliate and I don’t receive any kickbacks for promoting these books; I’m a genuine fan.