Personal profile
Research interests
I am an assistant professor at the Institute of Medical Education Research Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, where my research focuses on understanding the cognitive processes of students during learning and assessment.
Here are the key areas of my expertise:
- Skill Training: My research in skill training encompasses how students acquire, retain, and self-regulate their learning. One of my main findings is that incorporating regular, spaced practice sessions significantly improves long-term retention of skills. This has led to the development of more effective training programs that ensure students retain their skills over time. Additionally, I focus on self-regulated learning microanalysis feedback to help students improve their planning, monitoring, and reflection skills. Providing feedback on key SRL processes significantly enhances both students' self-regulation and their clinical skill performance, empowering them to become more effective and independent learners
- Educational Assessment: I have contributed significantly to the development of innovative assessment methods, such as computerized adaptive testing, which improve the accuracy and efficiency of evaluating students' knowledge and skills. My research has shown that well-designed questions can effectively measure students higher and lower cognitive processing skills, including findings from physiological measurements (eye-tracking). These methods lead to more individualized and accurate assessments, enhancing the overall quality of medical education
- Innovation: I explore the integration of technology (including the use of physiological measurements) in medical education, aiming to create more effective and engaging learning experiences for students. My research has led to the adoption of various technological tools and methods that facilitate better learning outcomes and more interactive educational environments.
Through my work, I am making a profound impact on health professions education, helping to shape the future of healthcare by preparing well-equipped and knowledgeable professionals. My goal is to continue advancing educational strategies and assessment methods to ensure that future healthcare professionals are as prepared as possible to meet the challenges of their field.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, Knowledge and skills acquisition in medical students: exploring aspects of the curriculum, University of Groningen
Award Date: 19 Sept 2018
Master, Psychological Assessment, Universidade São Francisco
Award Date: 18 Oct 2012
Bachelor, Psychology, Universidade São Francisco
Award Date: 11 Feb 2010
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Use of eye tracking in medical education
Specian Junior, F. C., Litchfield, D., Sandars, J. & Cecilio-Fernandes, D., 1 Nov 2024, In: Medical Teacher. 46, 11, p. 1502-1509 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile6 Citations (Scopus)55 Downloads (Pure) -
Using insights from cognitive science for the teaching of clinical skills: AMEE Guide No. 155
Cecilio-Fernandes, D., Patel, R. & Sandars, J., 23 Jan 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Medical Teacher. 45, 11, p. 1214-1223 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
11 Citations (Scopus) -
Self-regulated learning microanalysis feedback for developing clinical skills: A pilot study
Cecilio-Fernandes, D., Carvalho, D. R. D. S., Sandars, J. & Santos, T. M., 31 Jan 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Medical Teacher. 46, 10, p. 1356-1361 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access2 Citations (Scopus) -
The challenge of transfer to clinical practice: The illusion of learning and illusion of teaching
Cecilio-Fernandes, D., Steenhof, N. & Sandars, J., 1 Dec 2024, In: Medical Teacher. 46, 12, p. 1647-1648 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/Letter to the editor › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus)12 Downloads (Pure) -
Self-regulated learning processes across different physiotherapy clinical procedural skills and time intervals: A SRL microanalysis study
Cecilio-Fernandes, D., Medina-Ramírez, R., Sandars, J. & Costa, M. J., 10 Apr 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Medical Teacher. 45, 10, p. 1170-1176 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
6 Citations (Scopus)
Prizes
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Regular Grant - Sao Paulo Research Foundation
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Recipient), 2020
Prize: Fellowship awarded competitively
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Young Investigator Grant - Sao Paulo Research Foundation
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Recipient), 2019
Prize: Fellowship awarded competitively
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Medical Education Choice Critics Awards
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Recipient), 2018
Prize: Other distinction › Academic
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Keynote lecture: Coregulation for learning
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Speaker) & Polydoro, S. A. J. (Speaker)
31 Jul 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Academic
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Workshop: Microanalysis as a research strategy in Social Cognitive Theory
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Speaker) & Costa Filho, R. A. (Speaker)
29 Jul 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Academic
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Round Table - Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education Nuts and bolts of AI in Med Ed
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Speaker)
2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Academic
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Webinar: Teaching for transfer of learning
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Speaker), Sandars, J. (Speaker) & Steenhof, N. (Speaker)
2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Academic
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Keynote lecture: Linking physiological measurements and assessment performance
Cecilio-Fernandes, D. (Speaker)
2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Academic