MedEdPublish (Sep 2017)
A ‘Learning conversation’ as a style of feedback
Abstract
This paper explores the history behind the introduction and use of a 'learning conversation' as a mechanism of providing effective feedback to students on resuscitation courses. The authors hope the use of this style of feedback may useful in many other contexts to provide authentic feedback. The central aim of a learning conversation is to promote and support greater self-awareness of the individual student in order to develop competence and team leadership through critical inquiry (Harri-Augstein & Thomas 1991). Learning, particularly in the context of resuscitation is demonstrated by the utilisation of "planned experience which brings about a change of behaviour" and the process is facilitated by feedback whether during skills teaching, in workshops or in simulation. The learning conversation uses empathic, active respectful listening and discussion shared between a small group of participants, facilitated by an instructor to ensure that key learning emerges from this process duly informing future practice and behaviours. A mnemonic has been developed to facilitate acquisition of the skills involved in this feedback. Faculty also require feedback to fully develop their feedback skills but once established the process makes both faculty and students share their feelings, frustrations and learning in a very positive learning climate. The learning conversation has been in use in resuscitation courses for almost six years and the authors feel there is a wealth of literature available to support this approach which can be usefully applied to facilitate learning in many small group teaching settings and the process of delivering a Learning conversation is detailed within the paper.
