Theoretical SDL shows a significant pooled advantage over TDL, while practical SDL does not reach statistical significance¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · quant-synthesis r2 · q3
Currency · newest study 2025 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? The pooled mean difference for theoretical SDL was 2.667 (95% CI 0.009–5.325), whereas for practical SDL it was 1.339 (95% CI −1.591–4.268), whose confidence interval includes zero. → Aulakh Jasmine 2025

Evidence¶

Aulakh Jasmine 2025¶

Aulakh Jasmine, Wahab Hana, Richards Christine, Bidaisee Satesh, Ramdass Prakash V. A. K. (2025). Self-directed learning versus traditional didactic learning in undergraduate medical education: a systemic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06449-0

q3 · i? · quant-synthesis · r2

Subgroup meta-analyses comparing theoretical and practical SDL against TDL; the review reports "The overall mean difference in exam scores for the subgroup analysis for theoretical SDL was 2.667, 95% CI [0.009–5.325]" while the practical subgroup interval crosses zero.

"The overall mean difference in exam scores for the subgroup analysis for theoretical SDL was 2.667, 95% CI [0.009–5.325], and I2 = 98.76%, shown in Fig. 3. The overall mean difference in exam scores for the subgroup analysis for practical SDL was 1.339, 95% CI [−1.591–4.268], and I2 = 91.76%, shown in Fig. 4."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Self-directed learning yields higher mean exam scores than traditional didactic learning in undergraduate medical education — a broader claim this one bears on