Skip to main content

Table 1 Three prototypical approaches to learning

From: Measuring students’ approaches to learning in different clinical rotations

Approach

Motive

Strategy

Surface

Extrinsic: avoid failure but don’t work too hard

Focus on selected details and reproduce accurately

Deep

Intrinsic: satisfy curiosity about topic

Maximize understanding: read widely, discuss, reflect

Achieving

Achievement: compete for highest grade

Optimize organization of time and effort (study skills)