Developing teaching materials for learners in surgery

Engaging learners in didactic education requires content expertise augmented by effective and well-designed teaching materials. Preparation of ideal teaching materials to optimize learner engagement and transfer of knowledge is based upon understanding the learner needs, instructional design and hierarchy, and multimedia learning theory. Teaching materials that incorporate pictorial and verbal aspects lead to higher retention and transfer but must be designed with consideration of cognitive overload. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.