Teaching Techniques for All Learners

This module highlights four teaching techniques - bedside presentations, ED STAT, post-it pearls, and teaching scripts - that can be used in the clinical setting to help facilitate advanced education for any type of learner.

Key Takeaways

Bedside Presentations

The learner presents in front of patient after team members are introduced and the patient is oriented to the goal of teaching rounds. Make sure to explain this process to both the learner and patient, and avoid interruptions. Try to avoid using medical jargon.

ED STAT

This technique is designed for the emergency department setting and is useful to establish expectations for a learner with whom you will have multiple interactions. This technique requires some education ahead of time in order to adapt.

• E: set expectations for a rotation/shift.
• D: diagnose the level of the learner by asking some questions.
• S: set up a clinical scenario or question.
• T: teach some key points which are generalizable.
• A: assess the learner and give constructive feedback.
• T: teach always, be a role model in your interactions.

Post-It Pearls

In this technique, the educator writes key learning points from a clinical shift onto a post-it note or whiteboard displayed for all learners. They then review the topic at the end of the shift. It's good practice to have some teaching pearls prepared for high frequency cases. Avoid too much content on the notes, they should simply list quick teaching points.

Teaching Scripts

These prepared mini-lectures target a specific concept that the instructor has previously memorized. Sample topics include red flags of back pain, treatment of hyperkalemia, treatment of DKA, imaging for abdominal pain, etc. Avoid too much content in these mini-lectures and instead focus on 3-5 teaching points for each topic. This would require a little preparation ahead of time and would ideally occur during a lull in patient care.