The University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine in Burlington plans to cut lectures from its curriculum in 2019, making it the first U.S. medical school to do so, reports The Washington Post.
The move, which aims to improve retention, among other benefits, is part of the medical school's shift toward a more "active learning" approach. This may entail small groups of students collaborating to problem-solve or answer questions, according to the report.
"It creates a stickier learning environment where the information stays with you better and you have a better depth of understanding," William Jeffries, PhD, senior associate dean for medical education at the Larner College of Medicine, told The Washington Post.
He told the publication part of this effort includes using a $66 million gift from alumnus Robert Larner for faculty training in active learning and constructing facilities designed more with small groups in mind.