[9] Debunking myths in education with Dr. Paul Kirschner

01/07/25 • 52 min

In this episode, Adam and Dr. Paul Kirschner discuss some of the biggest myths in education—like multitasking, learning styles, and the belief that Googling can replace knowledge. They dive into what sets experts apart from novices and explore how certain ‘desirable difficulties’—those useful challenges in learning —actually improve long-term retention, even if they’re tough to stomach.

Length of Episode: 52:41

Resources to check out:

The Ten Deadly Sins of Education by Dr. Paul Kirschner

Bjork, R. A., & Bjork, E. L. (2020). Desirable difficulties in theory and practice. Journal of Applied research in Memory and Cognition, 9 (4), 475-479.

Bjork, E. L., & Bjork, R. A. (2011). Making things hard on yourself, but in a good way: Creating desirable difficulties to enhance learning.

Brown, Peter C. (2014). Make it stick : the science of successful learning. Cambridge, Massachusetts :The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press

Paul’s 3 recent books:

Follow: Dr. Adam Szulewski https://x.com/Adam_Szulewski

Length of Episode: 52:41

Resources to check out:

The Ten Deadly Sins of Education by Dr. Paul Kirschner

Bjork, R. A., & Bjork, E. L. (2020). Desirable difficulties in theory and practice. Journal of Applied research in Memory and Cognition, 9 (4), 475-479.

Bjork, E. L., & Bjork, R. A. (2011). Making things hard on yourself, but in a good way: Creating desirable difficulties to enhance learning.

Brown, Peter C. (2014). Make it stick : the science of successful learning. Cambridge, Massachusetts :The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press

Paul’s 3 recent books:

Follow: Dr. Adam Szulewski https://x.com/Adam_Szulewski

Previous Episode

[8] Is applying to med school like playing the lottery?

In this episode we discuss the new admissions policy at the school of medicine at Queen’s University, which now features a lottery system as part of its process. Adam speaks to the assistant dean of admissions, Dr. Peggy DeJong, about this change, which represents a first for Canadian medical schools.

Length of Episode 28:33

Resources to check out :

https://meds.queensu.ca/academics/mdprogram/admissions/methods-selection

Follow: Dr. Adam Szulewski https://x.com/Adam_Szulewski

Next Episode

[10] How learning happens at one of the busiest air ambulance services in the world

In this episode, Dr. Tom Hurst, Medical Director of London HEMS and consultant in critical care at King’s College Hospital, joins Adam to discuss the unique challenges and operations of London HEMS—a leading helicopter EMS service known for its rapid, high-acuity trauma response in London, England. Their conversation highlights the real-world application of medical education principles in a high-pressure clinical environment, exploring how lessons from this setting can inform more traditional medical education contexts.

Tom emphasizes the pivotal role of teamwork, particularly the integration of paramedics and physicians in delivering emergency interventions right at the scene. They also delve into the complexities of continuous training for a diverse group of practitioners, including paramedics, fellows, and senior physicians, all working together to enhance the speed and quality of trauma care at one of the world’s busiest air ambulance services.

Length of Episode: 35:10 minutes

Resources to check out:

https://www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/

Follow: Dr. Adam Szulewski https://x.com/Adam_Szulewski