Professional Experience Placement

Lake, Vickery and Ryan (2005) discuss methods to facilitate learning in the practice setting. The authors indicate learning can be achieved when students are involved in the teaching episode. Asking questions

• facilitates engagement;
• determines knowledge levels;
• promotes higher order thinking;
• monitors progress and
• encourages reflection.

Asking questions also enables the teacher to determine learners knowledge from low level of facts to higher levels involving analysis and synthesis. The clinical reasoning cycle is used by UTAS to facilitate learning in a range of situations. This framework provides guidance to students in a similar way that these authors proposed. I have previously blogged about clinical reasoning.

Lake, Vickery and Ryan (2004) also list good habits when questioning and stated using the learners name; provide a good learning environment that is friendly and encouraging; allow silence so that learners can think; guide answers to include the quieter students; brief learners and patients beforehand to minimise any opportunities to upset or embarrass students or patients. Lastly the authors ask the read to ensued they pitch their questions at an appropriate level.

If you have any tips on effective questioning techniques you are welcome to post them there or join me on Twitter @PEPCommunity.