Applying Positive Psychology in Medical Curriculum: Creating engaging and meaningful interactive lecture

Abstract

Positive Psychology can be applied to develop learning experiences for Generation Z learners, who need actively engaging activities. Although traditional lectures have been replaced by interactive lectures nowadays, the most used interactive technique in Thailand, Classroom Response Systems or online voting, might not effectively stimulate learning. This article explains the application of Positive Psychology in interactive lectures to make meaningful learning and students’ engagement in learning processes. PERMA model is the model for increasing the well-being of humans, comprising positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. This model helps instructors to create various types of learning experiences. The author illustrated his experience applying Positive Psychology in an interactive lecture for fourth-year medical students in this article. The author applied Positive Psychology to change the learning experience, which previously was a didactic lecture, to more discussion in pairs and roleplay. Three hundred and eighteen students participated in this activity. The author, an instructor, evaluated this learning experience by direct observation. Most students actively participated and engaged with this activity by the instructor’s observation. Additionally, the survey showed that students were satisfied with this activity. Nonetheless, the limitations of the application are instructors have to plan the lesson in advance, spend much time selecting interesting media, and carefully manage time. Therefore, applying Positive Psychology in the lecture increases students’ engagement. Well-methodology research should be conducted to confirm the result.