The role of interactive training skills courses in medical education at the Ankara University School of Medicine.
BACKGROUND
The Department of Medical Education at Ankara University School of Medicine offered a teaching program for their physician educators. One hundred and fifty professors from different disciplines attended this 5-day training course.


METHODS
Two certified master trainers designed the program, which consisted of the following topics: adult learning principles, creating a positive training climate, interactive training techniques, clinical demonstration, coaching principles, effective use of audiovisual materials, developing and using knowledge and competency-based assessment instruments, and organizing training sessions. Master trainers managed all the courses and guided the other trainers according to the principles of group dynamics. Of the overall participants, 30% attended voluntarily (n = 45) and 70% attended compulsorily (n = 105).


RESULTS
In general, 97.5% to 100% assessed the course as either good or very good, with no difference in assessment between the two groups (p > .05; one-way analysis of variance). Course topics and time arrangements for each training session were rated optimal by 82% of participants, and all of them recommended that "all faculty should attend this course."


CONCLUSIONS
The positive effects of these courses have led the School of Medicine's academic council to agree by consensus to accept the training skills course certificate as a criterion for eligibility to become a trainer at the School of Medicine. They also decided to institute educational reform, including changing the curriculum and using new educational methodology such as interactive techniques and problem-based learning.
Ankara University School of Medicine, Medical Education Department, Turna Cukmazi, No. 83, Camlik Sitesi, Bilkent 1, Ankara, Turkey.
Ferda
F
Ozyurda
Fulya
F
Dökmeci
Ozden
O
Palaoğlu
Berna
B
Arda
D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014421:Turkey