An Exploration of Cognitive Diagnosis in Medical Education: Constructing Comprehensive Feedback for Enhanced Student Learning

Med Sci Educ. 2024 May 10;34(5):1117-1122. doi: 10.1007/s40670-024-02064-2. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Feedback stands as a cornerstone in facilitating knowledge and skill acquisition, particularly in the realm of self-directed learning. Drawing from Vygotskian theory, which posits learning as an apprenticeship process within the zone of proximal development (ZPD), effective feedback becomes a crucial scaffold for students navigating their educational journey. This article delves into the significance of feedback, guided by Hattie and Timperley's three pivotal questions. While clinical environments recognize the importance of feedback in patient care, its application during the formative preclerkship years often remains overlooked.

Keywords: Assessment feedback; Cognitive diagnosis assessment; Formative assessment.