MedEdPORTAL (Dec 2014)
Teaching Triangles
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Faculty at Academic Medical Centers are often not formally educated or prepared for their teaching role. Similarly, residents, fellows, nurses, and many other health care teams find themselves in a teaching role while taking care of patients. While formal education programs are optimal, there is often not the time, resources, or commitment. Methods Teaching Triangles utilizes peer- and self-observation to enhance one's teaching skills. The instructional material and associated forms can be used in any venue for any type of teaching. Teaching Triangles can be included as part of a formal class curriculum and assignment. It can also be used among teachers or faculty at an institution interested in collaborating as part of professional development. The materials are intended to address all forms of teaching including teaching at the bedside, large lectures, journal clubs, etc. Teaching Triangles can be easily implemented. Results One of the authors and director of certificate in college teaching program (HC) requires Teaching Triangles for all graduate students enrolled in his program. After slight modifications, the program was adopted as a required component of an institutional Resident as Teacher program in Graduate Medical Education. Participants have reported that Teaching Triangles have been critical to their development as a teachers. Twenty-one GME trainees have utilized Teaching Triangles as part of their GME training at Duke. Discussion Using the materials included, participants can find themselves quickly able to identify what they do well and what can be improved in their role as teacher. The opportunity to observe oneself and reflect on self and other's feedback is often eye opening. Similarly, collaborating with triangle partners outside of one's discipline allows an opportunity to focus on actual teaching skills and less on content. Lastly, there is minimal time commitment and robust outcomes. Given its value and success, the School of Medicine Academy will be offering a similar program for volunteer faculty across all disciplines.
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