The Master Adaptive Learner, 1st Edition

By William Cutrer, Martin Pusic, Larry D Gruppen, PhD, Maya M. Hammoud, MD, MBA and Sally A. Santen, MD, PhD

ISBN: 9780323711111

Pub Date: October 14th, 2019

Reviewed By: Jennifer Rockfeld, MD (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)

Description

This book describes the master adaptive learner model in great detail. The authors developed this concept and describe the theory underlying it, how to teach and assess it in individual learners, and its broader applications to leadership and health systems science. The website is a digital version of the book.

Purpose

The purpose is to describe the master adaptive learner framework that “details a metacognitive approach to self-regulated learning within health professions education.” It integrates several existing educational theories and makes them applicable. I have eagerly awaited this book since reading the primary literature on this model. The book meets its objectives to be used as a reference.

Audience

The audience is medical educators. The authors do not target a specific type of practitioner, just those who teach in the health professions. The book is more accessible to those who participate in curriculum development and assessment, but it can be understood by anyone who teaches. The authors are the most credible authorities on this subject as they developed this model and have published on it.

Features

The first three chapters introduce the concept of the master adaptive learner and the educational theory behind it. The book then delves into the personality characteristics, cognitive processes, and self-assessment needed to achieve this goal. The authors then focus more on teaching and assessing learners in these skills. Each chapter describes a different setting or use of this model and has learning objectives, cases, take-home points, and questions for further thought. Graphs and charts illustrate important points or processes. This is an extremely thorough review of this concept and its application. I primarily used the print book and cannot comment on the value of the online format.

Assessment

As this is the first book on this topic, there are no comparable books. It is well written, easy to follow, and thought provoking. It provides enough information to build content around and clearly establishes where there is room for more research. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in medical education and aims to develop their learners into medical professionals who engage in self-regulated learning and develop adaptive expertise.

© Doody’s Review Service, 2021, Jennifer Rockfeld, MD (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) Review Score: 100-5 Stars!

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