As an experienced teacher, it is more likely that you are beginning this book at Stage 4 -
unconscious competence. Reading each chapter will help you to remember what you
know and why this is important. This process gets you back to Stage 3 - conscious
competence. This is important for good teaching practice as your students need to
understand what to do, how to do it and why this is important - they need to be
consciously competent too.
So let’s begin this book at Stage 1. We will consider the importance of advancing
teaching skills for doctors, what doctors should be engaged in teaching before
introducing you to some theories of learning. We’ll move to Stage 2 by sharing some
good practice principles of training design and delivery, then look towards Stage 3 by
discussing areas of assessment to include in your training. This will encourage you to
reflect on your Stage 4 position by setting some learning goals.
1.03 The importance of advancing teaching skills for doctors
The variety, breadth and depth of experiences and knowledge which individual doctors
develop as their careers progress are extremely valuable resources. The effective
sharing of these resources whilst encouraging the self-discovery and self-development of
others is essential in ensuring that what has been learned is not lost, standards are
maintained and the evolutionary progress continues.
Good Medical Practice (2014) explicitly states teaching as being an aspect of
professional practice in which doctors should acquire and maintain a level of
competence.
Here are a few selected elements of Good Medical Practice as a reminder:
7. You must be competent in all aspects of your work, including management, research
and teaching.
8. You must keep your professional knowledge and skills up to date.
9. You must regularly take part in activities that maintain and develop your competence
and performance.
39. You should be prepared to contribute to teaching and training doctors and students.
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