Active Learning

Adaptive/Active Learning the Typical PT Way

At Typical PT, we set the standard of excellence in creating premium online learning tools and high-stakes exam preparation solutions, including for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Our approach begins with your success and mastery of the concepts tested. This focus is part of what we call The Typical PT Difference. Central to this difference is our Adaptive/Active Learning method.

Understanding Adaptive/Active Learning

Adaptive/Active Learning is a study approach designed to help examinees master concepts tested on high-stakes exams like the NPTE. Unlike passive learning methods such as lectures, this method requires active participation. Multiple studies have established empirical data reinforcing the merits of this study method.

How Adaptive/Active Learning Works

Learn by Doing

Adaptive/Active Learning centers on the principle that students learn by doing. Practice and repetition enable mastery of tested concepts and better information retention. Typical PT’s question banks (QBanks) feature an extensive collection of questions, allowing you to create unlimited online practice tests that mimic the real NPTE exam.

Focused Learning

Adaptive/Active Learning also emphasizes focused learning. Our QBanks are designed to optimize efficiency. Using our proprietary algorithm, we present questions targeting your weakest areas, ensuring constant challenge and improvement. Customizable practice tests and immediate performance metrics empower you to control your study plan and focus on relevant topics while addressing weaker subjects.

Simplified Learning

We simplify the learning experience with in-depth yet concise explanations and illustrations. This approach makes difficult concepts easy to understand, enhancing retention and comprehension. Providing explanations for both correct and incorrect answers ensures a thorough understanding of critical underlying concepts, reducing the need for memorization.

Benefits of Adaptive/Active Learning

Improved Student Outcomes

Research shows that Adaptive/Active Learning leads to improved critical thinking skills, increased retention and transfer of new information,

heightened motivation, enhanced interpersonal skills, and decreased course failure rates.

Visual Aids Support Learning

Studies suggest that visual aids enhance the learning process. After three days, people retain 10–20% of written or spoken information but almost 65% of visual information. Typical PT incorporates vivid, professionally produced images, illustrations, charts, graphs, and diagrams to complement thorough answer explanations.

Maximized Retention

Practicing by doing leads to increased retention compared to passive learning. Typical PT’s QBanks, with their large volume of questions, allow for repetition and repeated practice through unlimited customized tests.

The Verdict

ypical PT’s exam prep products are designed with Adaptive/Active Learning tools to embed high-yield concepts into your long-term memory. This intentional design ensures that preparing for high-stakes exams like the NPTE is about mastering key concepts rather than relying on tips or gimmicks.

By practicing thousands of questions repeatedly under exam-like conditions, the actual NPTE will feel like another practice session when you sit for it. At Typical PT, we believe that how you practice is how you’ll perform.

Reference

  1. Freeman, S., et al. (2014). Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(23), 8410–8415.
  2. Cavenagh, S. (2016). The spark of learning: Energizing the college classroom with the science of emotion. West Virginia Press.
  3. Prince, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223–231.
  4. Settles, B. (2012). Active learning. Synthesis Lectures on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, 6(1), 1–114.
  5. Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. National Academy Press.
  6. Kuh, G., O’Donnell, K., & Schneider, C. (2017). HIPs at ten. Change, 49(5), 8–16.
  7. Henning, J. A., et al. (2019). Hidden identities shape student perceptions of active learning environments. Frontiers in Education, 4, 129.
  8. Medina, J. (2014). Brain rules: 12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, home, and school. Pear Press.
  9. Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: Taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249–255.
  10. Owens, D., et al. (2017). Student motivation from and resistance to active learning rooted in essential science practices. Research in Science Education.