A learner’s skill set can be developed either by increasing their knowledge or helping them gain new skills. During your first meeting with the learner, ask questions that directly help them identify their own needs or interests, then follow up on this information by monitoring their performance in order to identify gaps.
With the learner’s goals in mind, try to assign learners to patients whose cases will reinforce what they already know while anchoring new skills you need to teach them. Before a learner enters an exam room to practice a new skill, offer them clear direction and a guiding principle that can direct them if there’s uncertainty. Encourage confidence by asking leading questions rather than by bluntly correcting errors, particularly in front of patients. Lastly, if possible, give the learner immediate feedback and take time to review the skill-building experience.
More Pages From the Professionalism Section
You can learn more about this topic by visiting the following pages from the Professionalism section: