Preserving Kairos: a research agenda for productive struggle

Resumo

In this short commentary the author explores the concept of productive struggle in medical education, proposing a shift from narrow discussions of task difficulty calibration toward a broader understanding of meaningful engagement with challenges. The author contrasts two temporal frameworks—Kronos (rigid, standardized timing) and Kairos (opportune moments for meaningful learning)—arguing that current educational systems overprivilege the former at the expense of the latter. Drawing from experiences with computerized adaptive testing and authentic learning activities, the author raises concerns about how artificial intelligence might further diminish opportunities for productive cognitive effort. A research agenda is proposed focusing on three areas: the role of professional authenticity in challenge perception, balancing adaptive support with cognitive effort, and examining how technology influences metacognitive regulation. The commentary calls for collaborative research to ensure medical education cultivates resilient professionals through experiences where effort, challenge, and professional identity converge meaningfully, rather than merely optimizing for efficiency.