Role of Reinforcement of Learning Across the Continuum of Education: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction:Behaviorism is a paradigm of learning which covers various learning theories proposed by behavioral psychologists over the past century. Although, most of these theories have now become obsolete, due to a better understanding of the learning process, some terminologies such as Skinner’s “reinforcement” still find their place in modern day education. Reinforcement is a broad term and involves reiteration or enhancement of learning or behavior. Objectives: The present study undertakes a scoping review to identify evidence showing the role of reinforcement strategies on student learning in medical education Eligibility criteria: Research papers describing any teaching learning strategy or educational intervention that used Reinforcement of learning at any time during the learning process. Sources of evidence: Online databases were used to identify articles in the years 2009–2019, from which 10 publications from Canada & the United States and 6 from other nations were selected after meeting inclusion criteria. Charting methods: Data collected from the sources was charted with the help of a self-developed form, inclusive of Names of Authors & year of publication, type of article, country of origin, sample size, objectives & key findings of study Results: This scoping review shows that reinforcement strategies still have a high impact on student learning and reinforcing the taught material in medical education enhances student learning and retention. Conclusion: Reinforcement of taught material has a positive impact on student learning in modern day medical education.

Keywords

• reinforcement; medical education; learning; teaching