MedEdPORTAL (Aug 2014)
Strengthening Your Teaching Toolbox
Abstract
Abstract Introduction This workshop was designed for improving/fine-tuning the teaching skills of health professionals who teach in a clinical setting. It covers three phases related to teaching: (1) prevention—teaching techniques that can be used when first meeting the learner, such as clarifying expectations, orientation, and assessing needs; (2) intervention—teaching techniques that can be used during patient encounters, such as priming the learner, teachable moments, and observation; and (3) maintenance—improvement techniques after the teaching has occurred, such as reflection, peer coaching, and self-development. Methods This workshop contains multiple demonstrations and interactive activities. It can be conducted in a number of different ways: as is for 90 minutes, extended version for 120 minutes, card game only for 45 minutes, or without the card game for 60 minutes. Materials include a PowerPoint presentation, instructor's guide, participant handout, video observation guidelines, teachable moments demonstration script, playing cards guidelines, playing cards templates, list of teaching techniques, suggested time line for the workshop, and workshop evaluation form. Results This workshop was designed in fall 2013 and delivered to family medicine community preceptors in six regions around the state of Iowa as part of a continuing faculty development initiative. Evaluation data indicated that the sessions were well received. Discussion The workshop can be facilitated by two instructors. One is sufficient, but two different facilitators' perspectives can add to the workshop. Participants may want to spend a great deal more time than allotted in talking about each of the teaching techniques. While this could be very useful, it will detract from the overall learning. Facilitators may find it necessary to cut people off in order to maintain the time frame.
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