50. TEACH: AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ELECTIVE FOR PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS

Abstract

Background ACGME requires residents to participate in learner education and become effective teachers, though there is often insufficient time to achieve this in the inpatient setting. A local needs assessment revealed 96% of residents reported inadequate teaching experiences. We created the Teaching Elective At Children's Hospital (“TEACH”) to fulfill this gap in resident education. Objective To develop, implement, and evaluate a curriculum that enhances pediatric resident knowledge and skills related to teaching using experiential learning as a conceptual model. Methods Educational strategies for the curriculum include: 1. Assignments (readings, videos, and podcasts about clinical teaching and feedback); 2. Direct observation of learners; 3. Practical application of small group teaching and feedback skills; 4. Reflective writing (Figure 1). TEACH was implemented as a 2-4 week elective for senior residents to observe and teach learners on the Hospital Medicine inpatient teams. Evaluation consisted of a post-then-pre survey, tabulation of small group teachings, and content analysis of reflections. Results To date, 16 residents have completed TEACH. Survey results (69% response rate) revealed 100% of residents rated this educational experience as excellent or very good. Most residents’ knowledge and skills related to small group teaching and feedback were much or somewhat improved (Figure 2). Residents created 57 novel “chalk talks” on various topics for small group teachings (Table 1). Reflective writings revealed the following themes: the value of practice; goal-setting to ensure self-improvement after reflection; the importance and reward of learner engagement; changes in learner behavior based on feedback; positive emotional reactions to teaching. Discussion We successfully developed and implemented a dedicated teaching elective focused on experience-based learning. Initial evaluation revealed residents improved their self-perceived competence in skills and knowledge of small group teaching and feedback, as they gained confidence and a sense of reward. Next steps include direct observation of TEACH residents to better evaluate their skills.