Strategies for Clinical Teaching in the Health Professions

Book excerpt: High quality instruction in an authentic clinical environment is a must for all healthcare programs. Packed with strategies to help clinical instructors develop as educators and strengthen their teaching practice, this text is a key resource for those new to educating in a clinical setting. The first part of this practical book explores becoming a clinical instructor. It looks at the responsibilities of the role as well as the traits of effective clinical instructors. Introducing the concept of teacher identity, it offers suggestions for making the transition from healthcare practitioner to clinical educator. The book’s second part provides information on teaching in the healthcare environment. It introduces principles of curriculum design and planning, pedagogy and teaching strategies, performance assessment, and the delivery of constructive feedback. The final chapter in this part discusses helping students prepare for entry into the healthcare workforce. The book ends with a chapter on ways to support clinical instructors. Including reflective practice exercises, practical tips for dealing with challenging situations, and sample rubrics and templates, this useful book provides a foundation for the healthcare practitioner who is beginning a career in clinical education. It is also a valuable guide for more experienced instructors and those who manage clinical instructors.