When giving a tutorial, try and ensure that the following elements are incorporated. You may wish to observe yourself giving a tutorial on a video or alternatively sit in on a colleague giving a tutorial.
- Ambience (i.e, setting the mood and scene)
- Agenda (Trainer/Trainee – clearly identified with reasons)
- The Teaching Plan
This should be flexible, of high quality, focused on the teaching task appropriate, selective and be a part of an overall programme. (Try and assess any teaching plan using these parameters) - Style and Techniques
Questioning style should be all-important (open, closed, reflective, probing). Remember how to “explain”. Learn how to use silence. Be learner centred.
The teaching style and technique of the Trainer can be constantly improved. It should contain the following elements- encouragement
- reinforcement
- directive elements
- use of examples
- summarisation
- appropriate use of time
- “signposting and flagging”
- demonstration
- anecdotes
- convey enthusiasm
- professional detachment
- encourage active and continued learning
- Other techniques can be developed ( e g, role play)
- Summary
- Recommendations for improvement (Educational Prescription)
- Outcomes
- Can the Trainee identify an appropriate outcome from the tutorial (ie has it done any good).
- Has the Trainee learned more techniques to help him in the practice of medicine (and can he/she identify)
- Invite the trainee to give you feedback on the tutorial.
Remember that this structure can be applied to any tutorial at any level (ie it can be used to give feedback to trainers and can be self-applied to a tutor giving feedback to a trainer.