gms | German Medical Science

Objective: We recently introduced an online platform for test-enhanced learning (TELLme) at the Charité Berlin. TELLme consists of more than 8000 curriculum-aligned multiple-choice questions from previous summative assessments with automated formative feedback, including annotations on the correct or incorrect answers. TELLme is freely accessible 24/7 for all medical students at our school to allow self-testing whenever wanted. This study aims to analyse how the students use the TELLme platform and how this integrates with other resources for self-directed learning.

Methods: In winter 2021/22, we online surveyed voluntarily and anonymously the medical students at Charité using multiple-answer questions and Likert ratings on given statements and analysed responses using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 462 students responded. TELLme represents the third most widely used learning resource (78%) out of 13 given resources (86% use written class summaries of peer-students, 83% copies of previous exams, and 44%, for instance, digital flashcards). In the Likert ratings, 73% agree or strongly agree that TELLme offers good study support. Furthermore, 75% of the students agree or strongly agree that they use TELLme to identify gaps in their acquired knowledge and address them. In comparison, about 50% agree or strongly agree to use TELLme to memorise and train exam questions.

Discussion: Most students use the TELLme platform flexibly combined with other learning resources for their self-directed learning. TELLme is commonly used to identify gaps in acquired knowledge at an individual level along the regular course of studies and to address these gaps specifically by self-directed studying.

Take home message: A curriculum-aligned test enhanced learning platform is highly used and valued by medical students for self-directing their learning.