It's the end of another day in Xela. We are now 2/3 of the way through our 6-day teaching mission, and we were so tired by the end of the day, we skipped salsa lessons and chose a quieter evening instead.
I have to admit, the day started off a little rocky. I'm not exactly sure I should blog about such things, but it's the truth. And I don't want anything I share to be misconstrued--no complaining or criticizing here--but the pressure I felt trying to get the Instructor Course off the ground came to a head when the day-long course got started an hour later than scheduled. Knowing that at least one of the participants would need to get to the hospital in time for overnight call, we knew we'd have to make some adjustments in the schedule. Several students came over an hour late from the already-delayed start (fortunately, these were just a couple), and of course I was concerned that the quality of their experience would be diluted. But I keep learning that there are some (many) things I cannot control and are not ultimately my responsibility. I'm learning that sometimes, no matter how much I might want or prepare for something, no matter how much passion resides within--I cannot measure success by how beautifully a plan comes to fruition. And I'm learning that often-times, the challenges become opportunities for creativity and grace and that things almost always work out in the end. I'm thankful to have friends who prayed with me, across the miles, in the moment.
And…I'm thankful for this group of volunteer teachers, who have the uncanny ability to adapt quickly, improvise and flex to meet the needs of the day. No one of the teaching faculty (besides myself) had ever taught in an ALSO Instructor Course before, but they were more than willing to engage in this opportunity. We felt the expectations were high, since the last Instructor course was in 2007 or 2008. And watching them actively engage the participants--you would think they were old pros. And since they all enjoy and have experience teaching, it's not surprising that they were so effective. That's actually one of the things I appreciate about the ALSO Instructor Course: it's less about the ALSO Content and more a faculty development course on such topics as principles of adult learning, preparing & practicing"dynamic" lectures, complete with immediate verbal and written feedback (no head-nodding or constant iPhone checking!), working with "challenging learners" (via assigned roles not revealed to the teacher) in small group settings, teaching cases, teaching with mannequins, and teaching how to conduct and score the megadelivery exam. There was AMPLE laughter as every single participant quickly transitioned into role play to make the learning experience richer. There were insightful moments, times to share about prior teaching experiences, ideas shared on how to cope with "frustrating" teaching circumstances, and time to reflect on teaching philosophy. Every physician is a teacher--of patients, families, and one another--and I'm sincerely honored to have the opportunity to participate in the course of lifelong learning that is medicine. This transcends generations and cultures.
Over the next 2 days, 4 of the (22) instructor "candidates" will directly apply today's course as they teach alongside our team in the second ALSO Provider Course of the week. Stay tuned!
A bumpy start culminating in an amazing ride--the Instructor Course was truly a success--that was topped with a tasty meal at Luna Cafe, known for its delectable chocolate (yes, we all enjoyed a chocolate beverage!) and eclectic antique/artistic decor, and finally the opportunity to FaceTime with some of my beloved. With a heart full of gratitude and joy--sj
I have to admit, the day started off a little rocky. I'm not exactly sure I should blog about such things, but it's the truth. And I don't want anything I share to be misconstrued--no complaining or criticizing here--but the pressure I felt trying to get the Instructor Course off the ground came to a head when the day-long course got started an hour later than scheduled. Knowing that at least one of the participants would need to get to the hospital in time for overnight call, we knew we'd have to make some adjustments in the schedule. Several students came over an hour late from the already-delayed start (fortunately, these were just a couple), and of course I was concerned that the quality of their experience would be diluted. But I keep learning that there are some (many) things I cannot control and are not ultimately my responsibility. I'm learning that sometimes, no matter how much I might want or prepare for something, no matter how much passion resides within--I cannot measure success by how beautifully a plan comes to fruition. And I'm learning that often-times, the challenges become opportunities for creativity and grace and that things almost always work out in the end. I'm thankful to have friends who prayed with me, across the miles, in the moment.
And…I'm thankful for this group of volunteer teachers, who have the uncanny ability to adapt quickly, improvise and flex to meet the needs of the day. No one of the teaching faculty (besides myself) had ever taught in an ALSO Instructor Course before, but they were more than willing to engage in this opportunity. We felt the expectations were high, since the last Instructor course was in 2007 or 2008. And watching them actively engage the participants--you would think they were old pros. And since they all enjoy and have experience teaching, it's not surprising that they were so effective. That's actually one of the things I appreciate about the ALSO Instructor Course: it's less about the ALSO Content and more a faculty development course on such topics as principles of adult learning, preparing & practicing"dynamic" lectures, complete with immediate verbal and written feedback (no head-nodding or constant iPhone checking!), working with "challenging learners" (via assigned roles not revealed to the teacher) in small group settings, teaching cases, teaching with mannequins, and teaching how to conduct and score the megadelivery exam. There was AMPLE laughter as every single participant quickly transitioned into role play to make the learning experience richer. There were insightful moments, times to share about prior teaching experiences, ideas shared on how to cope with "frustrating" teaching circumstances, and time to reflect on teaching philosophy. Every physician is a teacher--of patients, families, and one another--and I'm sincerely honored to have the opportunity to participate in the course of lifelong learning that is medicine. This transcends generations and cultures.
Over the next 2 days, 4 of the (22) instructor "candidates" will directly apply today's course as they teach alongside our team in the second ALSO Provider Course of the week. Stay tuned!
The first part of the Instructor Course involves short lectures and demonstrations by the teaching faculty. Rebecca and Isabella discuss how to incorporate mannequins into hands-on workshops.
Candace, serene and always at the ready.
OB residents from 4 hospitals participated. A few practicing obstetricians also attended.
The participants practice their teaching skills on one another. Such a joy to witness!
Sarah M and Rebecca engaging in active role play with the participants.
Allison (above) and Audra (below) facilitate the lecture/feedback workshop. They are fantastic facilitators!! After each student delivered a ~5 minute lecture, the student was prompted to give a self-assessment, and then the group invited to provide feedback. So meaningful--both for practice and especially in real life. How often do we stop to reflect on our actions? On our words? On how we're fulfilling our jobs/responsibilities? And how often do we solicit or provide meaningful feedback?
More practice teaching...
Anny was enjoying her "assigned" student role!
Below: a few night shots of Xela's city center--the square is defined by picturesque buildings, and the narrow streets branching outward into the city lined with eye-catching windows.
A bumpy start culminating in an amazing ride--the Instructor Course was truly a success--that was topped with a tasty meal at Luna Cafe, known for its delectable chocolate (yes, we all enjoyed a chocolate beverage!) and eclectic antique/artistic decor, and finally the opportunity to FaceTime with some of my beloved. With a heart full of gratitude and joy--sj
Awesome Sarah and the gang! Love Jmc
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