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Caren Stalburg, MD, MA

This course provides those involved in educating members of the health professions an asynchronous, interdisciplinary, and interactive way to obtain, expand, and improve their teaching skills. These skills can then be applied within their own professional context, with a variety of learners, extending across many stages.

After completing this course, learners will:

1. Understand educational theory as it relates to health professions education

2. Match instructional methods with desired educational outcomes

3. Learn a variety of applied teaching techniques

Read more

This course provides those involved in educating members of the health professions an asynchronous, interdisciplinary, and interactive way to obtain, expand, and improve their teaching skills. These skills can then be applied within their own professional context, with a variety of learners, extending across many stages.

After completing this course, learners will:

1. Understand educational theory as it relates to health professions education

2. Match instructional methods with desired educational outcomes

3. Learn a variety of applied teaching techniques

4. Share successful teaching strategies

Suggested resources will include educational videos, individual readings, recommended

reference books, and crowd-sourced recommendations. All students should have

dependable access to the internet with video streaming capabilities. Some students

may want the ability to utilize on-line video conferencing as well.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Unit 1 - Adult Learning Theory
In this unit you will learn about adult learning theory, including learning styles and motivation, metacognition, social learning theory, and professional identity formation.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the intersection of educational theory and health professions education
Emphasizes applying teaching skills within learners' professional contexts and across various stages
Instructed by Caren Stalburg, MD, MA, a respected healthcare professional and educator
Provides opportunities to share successful teaching strategies with peers
Requires access to reliable internet with video streaming capabilities and may benefit from video conferencing
Covers a range of instructional techniques for knowledge transfer, skill development, attitudes, and technology integration

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Reviews summary

Instructional methods for health educators

According to learners, "Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education" provides a highly relevant and practical educational experience for those teaching within the health fields. Students frequently commend the course's focus on applied teaching techniques and specific instructional methods that they can immediately implement. The curriculum balances these practical skills with a solid grounding in educational theory, such as adult learning principles. The asynchronous format is highlighted as being flexible and convenient, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace. While seen as a great starting point and comprehensive overview by many, a few reviewers note that some specific topics could benefit from more in-depth coverage.
Great overview, some want more
"Provides a comprehensive overview of many methods."
"Could have gone deeper into simulation-based education."
"Felt like an excellent introduction, but perhaps not for advanced educators."
"A good starting point, covers a lot but not in exhaustive detail."
Flexible learning experience
"The asynchronous nature allowed me to fit studying into my busy schedule."
"Could progress through the material at my own pace, which was great."
"Appreciated the flexibility of not having fixed class times."
"Well-designed for self-paced learning."
Strong theoretical foundation
"Understanding adult learning theory changed how I approach my students."
"The units on Bloom's Taxonomy and different learning models were very clear."
"Provides a solid framework for thinking about instructional design."
"I feel much more confident discussing educational principles after this."
Tailored for health educators
"Perfectly tailored for health professionals looking to improve their teaching."
"The examples and case studies were highly relevant to my clinical environment."
"It addresses the unique challenges of educating in medicine/healthcare."
"As a physician educator, this course was exactly what I needed."
Focus on applied teaching methods
"I learned so many practical techniques I can use immediately in my teaching."
"The focus on *how* to teach, not just *what* to teach, was invaluable."
"Finally, a course that gave me concrete strategies for the classroom and clinic."
"I appreciate the actionable advice provided throughout the units."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education with these activities:
Connect with Experienced Health Educators
Reach out to practicing health educators for guidance and insights into the field.
Show steps
  • Identify health educators in your network or through professional organizations.
  • Introduce yourself and express your interest in their mentorship.
Review of Adult Learning Theory
Review adult learning theory concepts to understand how to tailor teaching methods to your learners.
Show steps
  • Read the assigned textbook chapters on adult learning theory.
  • Summarize the key concepts of adult learning theory in a one-page document.
Read 'Teaching in Nursing' by Patricia Benner
Deepen your understanding of instructional techniques and clinical reasoning in health professions education.
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters in 'Teaching in Nursing'.
  • Summarize the key concepts and apply them to your own teaching practice.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Review teaching techniques
Preparing through reviewing foundational skills will make this course more valuable.
Browse courses on Teaching Techniques
Show steps
  • Review the 4 Pillars of Teaching
  • Review the Constructivist approach to learning
Observe a master educator
Watching others teach allows you to learn strategies and techniques that you might not have otherwise considered.
Show steps
  • Find an opportunity to observe a teacher who is known for their skill
  • During the observation, pay attention to the teacher's methods and techniques
Assessment Skill Development
Practice creating and using assessment tools to evaluate learner progress.
Browse courses on Assessment Techniques
Show steps
  • Review different types of assessment methods.
  • Create sample multiple-choice questions and short answer questions.
  • Develop a rubric for assessing student work.
Effective Questioning Techniques in Health Education
Explore questioning techniques to enhance your ability to engage learners and promote critical thinking.
Browse courses on Instructional Techniques
Show steps
  • Watch online tutorials on effective questioning in health education.
  • Practice asking supportive questions to facilitate learning.
Attend a Teaching Skills Workshop
Engage in hands-on activities and receive expert guidance to enhance your teaching skills.
Show steps
  • Research and identify teaching skills workshops relevant to health professions education.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
Collaborate with other teaching professionals
Meeting with other experienced teachers provides opportunities to exchange ideas and innovations.
Show steps
  • Become a member of a teaching association like ADEA, AAOE, or ADEA
  • Attend annual meetings
Design a Simulation-Based Teaching Activity
Develop a simulation-based teaching activity to practice and assess skills in a realistic environment.
Browse courses on Instructional Techniques
Show steps
  • Identify a clinical skill that can be effectively taught through simulation.
  • Design the simulation scenario, including roles, equipment, and outcomes.
  • Prepare debriefing questions to facilitate learning after the simulation.
Develop a Teaching Plan for a Specific Health Topic
Create a teaching plan to apply what you've learned about instructional design and intended learning outcomes.
Browse courses on Instructional Design
Show steps
  • Identify a specific health topic to focus on.
  • Outline the intended learning outcomes for your teaching plan.
  • Develop a detailed teaching plan that incorporates effective instructional methods.
Become a mentor to a novice educator
Mentoring others strengthens your own teaching practices and reinforces your knowledge of the content.
Show steps
  • Identify organizations offering mentoring programs and inquire about opportunities
  • Develop a mentorship plan and schedule
Support Peer Learning
Reinforce your understanding by guiding and supporting other learners.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor or tutor fellow health professions learners.
  • Provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help others succeed.

Career center

Learners who complete Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design, develop, and evaluate instructional materials for educational institutions and businesses. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences. This course provides Curriculum Developers with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective learning materials and improve the learning experience for their students.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create and develop educational programs and materials for a variety of audiences. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences. This course provides Instructional Designers with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective educational programs and materials.
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coaches work with teachers and other educators to improve teaching and learning. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to help educators create effective learning environments. This course provides Instructional Coaches with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to better support educators and improve teaching and learning.
Education Consultant
Education Consultants provide consulting services to educational institutions and businesses. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to help organizations improve their educational programs. This course provides Education Consultants with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to provide more effective consulting services and help organizations improve their educational programs.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators oversee the operation of colleges and universities. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning environments for students. This course provides Higher Education Administrators with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective learning environments and improve the student experience.
K-12 Teacher
K-12 Teachers teach students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences for their students. This course provides K-12 Teachers with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective lesson plans and improve the learning experience for their students.
Adult Educator
Adult Educators teach adults in a variety of settings, including community colleges, universities, and workplaces. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences for their students. This course provides Adult Educators with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective lesson plans and improve the learning experience for their students.
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainers develop and deliver training programs for employees in businesses and organizations. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences for their students. This course provides Corporate Trainers with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective training programs and improve the learning experience for their students.
Instructional Technology Specialist
Instructional Technology Specialists use technology to create and deliver educational programs and materials. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences for their students. This course provides Instructional Technology Specialists with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective educational programs and materials.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and use information. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning environments for their students. This course provides Librarians with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective learning environments and improve the learning experience for their students.
Museum Educator
Museum Educators teach people about museum collections and exhibitions. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences for their students. This course provides Museum Educators with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective educational programs and improve the learning experience for their students.
Nonprofit Administrator
Nonprofit Administrators oversee the operation of nonprofit organizations. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning environments for their students. This course provides Nonprofit Administrators with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective learning environments and improve the learning experience for their students.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning experiences for their students. This course provides Policy Analysts with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective learning environments and improve the learning experience for their students.
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the operation of programs and projects. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning environments for their students. This course provides Program Managers with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective learning environments and improve the learning experience for their students.
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee the operation of projects. They use their knowledge of educational theory and instructional design to create effective learning environments for their students. This course provides Project Managers with the opportunity to learn about adult learning theory, instructional design, and a variety of instructional techniques. This knowledge can help them to create more effective learning environments and improve the learning experience for their students.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education.
Offers a comprehensive overview of instructional design theories and models, providing a strong foundation for this course. It's more valuable as background reading than as a current reference.
This classic work on teaching effectiveness provides practical guidance on a wide range of topics, from course design to classroom management to assessment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of learning and teaching in higher education.
This widely used textbook provides a systematic approach to instructional design, including needs assessment, learning objectives, content development, and evaluation.
Explores the use of art and music in health professions education, including its benefits and challenges.
While intended for K-12 science teachers, this book provides valuable insights into the process of teaching science, including how to create engaging lessons and assess student learning.

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