Research Summary: Microlectures teach, problem-based learning integrates: designing short clinical practicums in biomedical engineering education

A perspective published in Frontiers in Education outlines pedagogical challenges in short hospital-based clinical practicums for biomedical engineering students and proposes a model pairing microlectures with problem-based learning. Short placements create constraints due to brief immersion times, clinically rather than technically trained supervisors, and the inadequacy of observation-based apprenticeship for competencies bridging device and patient care interfaces. Grounded in cognitive load theory, this work-integrated learning model assigns teaching to microlectures and synthesis to problem-based learning, provided it is customized to practicum dynamics rather than standard lecture templates.

Why it matters

This structural insight matters because traditional clinical immersion models fail to cultivate essential cross-disciplinary skills at the device-patient interface during brief placements. Implementing deliberate pedagogical division—using microlectures for instruction and problem-based learning for integration—allows healthcare and education providers to maximize limited clinical training windows. Properly addressing these constraints directly impacts the workforce readiness of technical professionals operating in clinical care environments.

Key insights

• Short clinical practicums in biomedical engineering do not allow sufficient immersion for traditional learning.
• Supervising hospital staff are clinically rather than technically trained, creating a supervisory mismatch for engineering competencies.
• Observation-based apprenticeship fails to adequately develop competencies needed at the device-patient care interface.
• Pairing microlectures with problem-based learning (PBL) provides a viable alternative grounded in cognitive load theory.
• The model functions effectively only when tailored specifically to practicum constraints rather than conventional lecture or flipped classroom templates.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1996663