Clinical Teaching Strategies

Capstone Clinical Teaching Strategies

In addition to examining different learning styles, it is important to explore how to teach to meet the course competencies and the student's needs. Knowing the student's preferred learning style can help you select effective teaching strategies. The preceptor's role with adult learners is that of learning facilitator and to promote critical thinking.

Think about your teaching style. It is based on your own preferences and comfort zone. You will teach from your strengths. The way we teach may not always connect with our students. We may have to adapt at times by listening and understanding the student's learning style. When in doubt, ask what is working and what is not.

  • Maintain a calm and positive attitude
  • Divide new experiences into manageable components
  • Start with terms and procedures the student already knows and proceed to new skills and experiences
  • Demonstrate new skills and give the student time to practice before using the skills required for a clinical encounter
  • Limit observers during clinical teaching
  • Decide ahead of time if the student needs coached or observed when performing a procedure
  • Work with the student to identify a phrase or a signal you can use when a mistake is made so the student will know to stop immediately

Critical Thinking

What is Critical Thinking?

The definition of critical thinking is:

  • to question; to make sense of; and to analyze
  • examining what you think as well as the thought process of others
  • using information you receive to clarify and improve your understanding

Characteristics of a Critical Thinker

  • Purposeful
  • Able to use standards
  • Develops intellectual traits like integrity, perseverance, empathy, and self-discipline
  • Asks: Why? What? How? When?
  • Engages in self-improving processes
  • Produces thought out answers to problems
  • Engages with many points of view