Techniques for teaching electrocardiogram interpretation: self-directed learning is less effective than a workshop or lecture.

Context: Teaching 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation to students and residents is a challenge for medical educators. To date, few studies have compared the effectiveness of different techniques used for ECG teaching.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if common teaching techniques, such as those involving workshops, lectures and self-directed learning (SDL), increase medical students' ability to correctly interpret ECGs.