Evaluating clinical teaching in medicine

Medical student ratings of clinical teaching in an obstetrics and gynecology clerkship are examined. Analyses were made on 1,567 ratings of 230 faculty members and residents by 320 students. Results revealed high interrater reliability. Overall teaching effectiveness correlated strongly with enthusiasm and active involvement of students. Four underlying factors of clinical teaching were identified through factor analysis. The utility of these data is discussed in relation to faculty development, administrative decision-making, and academic promotions.