PATRICK DUFF, M.D.

OVERVIEWSmall group teaching

One-on-one teachingProviding feedback

ClerkshipDirector

Residency DirectorBasic Science and Clinical Teacher

Assoc Dean forStudents

Parent

MAXIMIZING TEACHINGKEY PREMISE

Presenting a lecture is the most EFFICIENT way to provide information to a large number of trainees

MAXIMIZING TEACHINGKEY PREMISE

However, most adults learn more EFFECTIVELY in smaller groups or during one-on-one instruction

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP TEACHINGQuiet roomAppropriate lighting

Appropriate temperature

Adequate and comfortable seating

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP TEACHING

Avoid distractions

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP TEACHINGKnow the names of all participants

Insist that students prepare beforehand by reading and/or completing written exercises

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP TEACHINGEngage everyoneDo not let a single individual dominate the discussion

Present the question to everyone before asking someone to answer

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP TEACHINGProvide an overview

of the importance of the subject

Tie the discussion to the care of a particular patient

Correct inaccurate answers, but always in a positive wayTry to find some

kernel of truth in every response

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP TEACHINGStay within the allotted time period30 minutes for a formal lecture60 minutes for an interactive seminar

Provide a clear summary of the key points

APPROPRIATE VENUES FOR ONE-ON-ONE TEACHING

Laboratory

ClinicOperating room

KEYS TO ONE-ON-ONE TEACHINGRecognize that time is limited

Accept that you do not have to teach everything at once

KEYS TO ONE-ON-ONE TEACHINGMake the student

commit to a diagnosis

Probe for additional knowledgeDifferential diagnosis

Complications resulting from the primary diagnosis

KEYS TO ONE-ON-ONE TEACHINGHave the

student identify the most useful laboratory/imaging tests to differentiate between the possible diagnoses

KEYS TO ONE-ON-ONE TEACHING

Ask the student to explain the most appropriate treatment

KEYS TO ONE-ON-ONE TEACHING

Correct obvious errors

Provide a capsule summary

RECEPTIVENESS TO FEEDBACK“Honest criticism is hard to take, especially from a relative, friend, acquaintance, or stranger.”

THE NECESSITY FOR FEEDBACKIn the absence of feedback, the student may mistakenly assume that he/she is “doing fine”

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK

PrivateControlledEven tempered

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE FEEDBACKTimelyConsistentFrequentClearly identified

Descriptive, not evaluative

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK

SpecificFocused on the behavior not the personality

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK

Does not infer thoughts or feelings“What you did made

me feel bad.”Avoids personalizationAvoids emotionally-

charged words“Your work has been

worthless.”Avoids inflammatory

words

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE FEEDBACKCombined with praise for positive behaviorThe “feedback sandwich”

Avoid false praise

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK

Provide constructive suggestions for improvement

Provide a clear timeline for re-assessment of performance

CONCLUSIONSSmall group and

one-on-one instruction is preferred in most situations

Students must take active responsibility for the educational encounter

CONCLUSIONSWe all learn better

when we are fully engaged in an interactive learning process

We all learn better in a supportive environment – keep the learner’s chin “up”

CONCLUSIONSFeedback is an essential part of the educational process

Feedback must be private, timely, frequent, and constructive