Secrets to creating effective and interesting educational experiences: tips and suggestions for clinical educators

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Genetics Education

Background:

• Genetic Counselors (GCs) receive extensive training in genetics and counseling but often lack formal pedagogical preparation.
• Transitioning from learner to educator reveals complexities beyond information delivery, impacting teaching effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce clinical educators to effective teaching strategies and learning principles.
• To provide practical guidance for improving the faculty and student learning experience in genetic counseling education.

Main Methods:

• The article synthesizes established instructional concepts and learning principles.
• It offers practical suggestions applicable to diverse educational settings, from short discussions to graduate courses.

Main Results:

• Presents strategies for defining course competencies and selecting appropriate instructional approaches.
• Suggests methods for embedding learner engagement, leveling content, and choosing evaluation strategies.

Conclusions:

• Implementing these evidence-based strategies can lead to more engaging and successful teaching and learning in genetic counseling.
• The principles discussed are adaptable across various educational contexts and durations.