Are Residents Adult Learners

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Are Residents Adult Learners?

• J. Lopreiato MD,MPH
• March 2001

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Exercise What were the characteristics of the
one teacher who influenced you the most? List
them now...
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Reflective exercise Have you ever been
frustrated by 1. Inattentive residents
uninterested students? 2. Boring JACHO
lectures? 3. Curricular requirements from the
program director? 4. Spoon feeding residents?
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• Fact
• A large body of evidence exists to show that
  adults learn in a different way than children
• Product of nature?
• Product of the learning system?

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Malcolm Knowles theory Children Adults
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• H.B. Slotnick
• Studied a group of multi-specialty physicians.
• Stages of learning among faculty
• Stage 1 Decides whether to take on a problem.
• Stage 2 Acquires the skill and knowledge to
  solve the problem.
• Stage 3 Practice and gain experience in the new
  knowledge.

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Dilemma Given that adults learn differently
than children .And in light of your
learners educational history. How can YOU as a
teacher facilitate learning among adult
residents?
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Possible solutions 1. Assess the learners
prior experience and knowledge. 2. Set
expectations. 3. Motivate the learner. 4. Use
different teaching styles auditory, visual,
role-play, humor. 5. Use reflection. 6. Encourage
self-directed learning.