Optimizing training: what clinicians have to offer and how to deliver it.
Since experienced clinicians spend a substantial proportion of their time teaching and supervising trainees, a working knowledge of adult learning is of value. This knowledge will not only make you a more effective teacher, but will be of benefit to you when you are learning new information. There are a number of important issues to keep in mind when teaching your adult trainees. For example, recognize the short attention span of adult learners (10-15 min only!); keep your teaching and learning in context (i.e. clinically relevant); set clear, achievable learning objectives; give regular, constructive feedback to your trainees; and be aware your trainees will have different learning styles and no single teaching method is best for all. Assessment of your trainees needs to cover many different domains, including; knowledge, clinical competence, communication skills (written and verbal), procedural skills, teamwork and professionalism. Clearly, multiple methods of assessment will be essential. Further, a number of observers will be required to improve the validity of these assessment activities.
Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2009, Australia. craigm@med.usyd.edu.au
Craig M
CM
Mellis
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000592:standards*; D013663:Teaching / Q000592:standards*