Success Story: NP Educator Uses Picmonic to Elevate Learning and Outcomes

NP students face a huge undertaking in learning with an advanced practice curriculum that includes complex information and intricate areas of study, such as the 3Ps (Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Physical Assessment). Developing such in-depth knowledge in a short amount of time is an arduous struggle. Additionally, NP educators juggling high workloads and pedagogical activities coupled with staff shortages are spread thin. Both need effective tools to increase learning, and teaching efficiency to achieve desired outcomes.

One educator at a NP program shares how she found great success with Picmonic as a teaching tool, leveraging the platform’s audio-visual mnemonic lessons that break down complex, difficult concepts into bite-sized information that’s easy to learn, retain, and recall. In this interview, she details how she integrated Picmonic and TrueLearn into the curriculum to enhance student learning and exam prep.

What challenges were your students facing in their studies before the introduction of Picmonic?

Many of my students were overwhelmed with all of the material they were expected to learn as NP students, which increased their stress levels and that is amplified when they are juggling other commitments, like a full-time job, outside of school.

How did integrating Picmonic into your teaching method make a difference?

Integrating Picmonic into the curriculum was a game changer. It helped my students re-learn information they had already been familiar with more quickly and helped them master new topics faster. Students with a heavy course load or those working while enrolled in our program found it helpful because they could use it whenever they had time, like during breaks at work, between classes, or in the grocery store line.

Can you describe how you use Picmonic in your daily teaching routine?

I use Picmonic to supplement textbook reading assignments and in my presentation slides. The process typically follows a pattern where I begin by lecturing about the topic followed by a review and discussion using Picmonic. Finally, we do the quiz as a class. This method helps them remember what I am teaching!

Can you share specific instances where Picmonic has benefited your students?

One of my students was an exceptionally busy clinical supervisor, so he worked well over 40+ hours a week, and taking three classes a week along with his workload was a lot! He was having a difficult time retaining information from lectures and struggling to find the time and energy to read dry textbooks. We began incorporating Picmonic into Pharmacology lessons and it made a significant difference—it transformed his learning experience! As a result, he excelled in Pharmacology, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and achieving success on tests. This student went on to thrive in the program.

The way students are able to quickly grasp complex concepts is largely attributed to how Picmonic simplifies the learning material. By adopting a multimodal approach that encourages learning through multiple avenues, Picmonic helps students learn, retain, and recall information more effectively and efficiently.

How have the overall academic outcomes of your classes changed since integrating Picmonic into your teaching?

Picmonic has helped students learn and remember medical conditions and pharmacology more effectively, making studying easier! They are not having to stay up late or get up early to cram before an exam. Exam performance and course pass rates have all improved since integrating Picmonic into my classes.

The impact goes beyond my classes though. It has been a valuable resource across our program for multiple courses, including Pharmacology, Patho, Health Assessment, Women’s Health, and more. Students are retaining what they are taught, so from course to course, instructors are not having to review material that the students should already know. It’s helped our students prepare for the APEA exams they are required to take and boards too!

What advice would you give to other educators considering the integration of Picmonic into their teaching?

I highly recommend educators start using Picmonic early in their teaching process. It’s a powerful tool that enhances the learning experience significantly, making complex information accessible and engaging for students. The resource is entertaining and highly effective and it keeps students motivated!

This educator’s experience demonstrates the impact of leveraging Picmonic within the curriculum to drive optimal student learning and academic outcomes. The platform’s audio-visual mnemonics align with the brain’s natural, three-step memory encoding process and draw on learning science strategies—such as the Von Restorff Effect that demonstrates that one is more likely to remember a fact if it’s associated with wacky, bizarre humor—that help deepen comprehension and long-term retention. Picmonic is research-proven to improve exam scores by 55%—after just one week—and elevate long-term retention by 331%!