Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences (Dec 2013)
Clinical Assistants, Hospital Teachers The Necessity of Training and Empowering Teaching-Learning Skills
Abstract
Introduction: Many studies have emphasized the importance of clinical teaching assistants, followed by the role of the teacher assistant program «Resident as Teacher», as a way to improve residents’ teaching skills. Research has shown that such programs not only improve the attitude and perception of training assistants toward clinical teaching but also has a positive effect on their knowledge, skills, and behavior. Shiraz University of Medical Sciences held a one-month training course titled « assistant as a role model, teacher and researcher, “in 1387 in order to prepare residents for their role as clinical teachers. The present study investigated the effect of this course on increasing teaching skills among the assistants who participated in the study. Materials and Methods: we carried out a cross - sectional study. The study population included specialized and sub-specialized assistants and fellowship students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2013. Samples were taken by census. Data collection was done using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed. Data analysis was done using SPSS 15 software and inferential independent t – groups test, pair t-test, and ANOVA statistical analysis. Results: Before holding the course, residents' awareness about all issues except 2 (morning reports, and basic and advanced principles of CPCR) was lower than expected. After the course residents’ knowledge was more than the expected average in all the items. The difference between the mean scores of morning reports, clinical education, basic and advanced principles of CPCR, before and after the course, was higher than other items. Conclusion: The study results showed that holding the ‘assistant as a role model, teacher and researcher’ course, has had a positive impact on participants' awareness and their knowledge about principles of learning and teaching, teaching methods as well as general training and personal development. It also recommended more courses in future years.
