The Impact of Active Learning

Joanna Li is a current medical student at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (Class of 2027). She received her B.A. from WashU in Anthropology: Global Health and Environment, graduating summa cum laude in 2023. As a former PLTL leader in General Chemistry and Learning Assistant in Organic Chemistry, she continues to implement strategies from multiple active learning models throughout her medical training—as well as within her mentorship toward current undergraduates pursuing careers in medicine and early MD students. One of her greatest passions is guiding students in developing effective, multi-disciplinary learning strategies and growth mindsets, in addition to initiating supportive teaching philosophies that foster lifelong commitment to learning.

 

Reflection on the Continued Impact of Active Learning

In my early undergraduate years, participating as a student in PLTL  and LA (Learning Assistant) sessions taught me what it means to learn actively, curiously, and collaboratively. Extending from the sessions to my classes, then into my clinical extracurriculars, I found myself deeply engaging with new ideas, pushing to expand my understanding, integrating across disciplines, and translating knowledge into real-life experiences. I fell in love with the idea of constantly learning, the prospect of growing as a thinker and person, and always asking the question “why?”  as I delved into new concepts.

Experiencing this impact on my own growth, I was determined to serve as a PLTL Peer Leader and a LA leader to support students’ potential and contribute to their unique development as learners.

Across my years of mentoring STEM/pre-medical/MD students, I continue to draw upon active learning models because of how they encourage struggle: struggle that is coupled with growth and resilience. Beyond mentoring, skills in critical reasoning, communication, teamwork, and personal lifelong growth contribute to my daily patient care. As I have transitioned from student to leader to future physician, I hold the impact of active learning as a core component to my life and development—and strive to help more individuals along their own journeys to achieving self-growth.