Teaching clinical biomechanics in the context of uncertainty.
Uncertainty in the theories that provide the underpinnings of the clinical practice of podiatric biomechanics creates a dilemma: How should educators prepare students to make clinical decisions in the context of this uncertainty? Students need to be exposed to all approaches and be given the tools to make their own clinical decisions. Critical thinking involves the ability to weigh evidence, examine arguments, and construct rational bases for decisions and beliefs. Perry's model of cognitive development provides educators with one model for fostering critical thinking skills in students to guide them through the uncertainty in clinical biomechanics. This article presents the teaching philosophy that is used to teach undergraduate clinical biomechanics in the Department of Podiatry at La Trobe University, Australia.
Payne
C B
CB
Department of Podiatry, School of Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
Bird
A R
AR
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011032:Podiatry / Q000193:education*; D013850:Thinking