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Continuing Professional Learning

Linking theory to practice
We offer professional development for health professional educators through intensive programs, and ongoing training. Our programs are up-to-date, and based on pedagogies to meet the needs of changing education and health service environments.

Team-Based Learning

Team-based learning (TBL) provides a structured form of active, small group learning. A relatively new pedagogy to medical education, team-based learning has gained popularity within the last 10 years.

The structured format of the TBL program provides opportunities to apply and build on conceptual knowledge through a sequence of steps involving preparation, in-class readiness assurance testing, and the application of knowledge through clinical problem-solving activities.

For more information contact Associate Professor Annette Burgess.

The use of small groups, the readiness assurance tests, immediate feedback from expert clinicians, as well as time efficiency, are all aspects of the TBL experience that students and staff find positive.

Hear from our staff and students about their experiences with TBL at Sydney Medical School.

Case-Based Learning

Cased Based Learning (CBL) offers a form of inquiry-based learning to link theory to practice, fitting somewhere between structured and guided learning.

Real-life, complex clinical scenarios are used to facilitate student discussion in small groups (six to 10 students per group), allow students to develop their skills in analytical thinking and reflective judgment in preparation for clinical practice.

CBL draws the focus of the learners on key points of the clinical case, encouraging a structured and critical approach to clinical problem-solving, and making room for the facilitator to correct and redirect students.

Programs

Clinical Teaching Fellowship

The Clinical Teaching Fellowship (CTF) Program is a new initiative to prepare the next generation of clinicians and basic scientists to deliver high-quality medical student teaching within Sydney Medical School.

The Fellowship program is open to affiliates of the University of Sydney.  It aims to provide faculty development and mentorship in clinical teaching over a one year period, and is integrated with delivery of the ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL) approach to medical student teaching.

The CTF program provides formal training, a choice of informal professional development activities, and practical co-teaching opportunities in TBL. Fellows completing the program will be formally recognised by Sydney Medical School.    

For more information contact Associate Professor Annette Burgess.

Peer Teacher Training

The Peer Teacher Training Program is designed to support senior health professional students in the development of their teaching and assessment skills. This program is facilitated by a multidisciplinary team from across the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

This unique program is designed to provide health professional students with opportunities to develop skills in teaching, assessment and feedback, in preparation for peer assisted learning activities, and future health professional practice.

Delivered as a six module program, participants are provided with theoretical background and opportunities for active participation in small group interprofessional learning teams. Course participants receive a certificate as evidence of formal training in teaching and assessment.

Delivery: a combination of online modules and a half day face to face class. Formative assessments take place throughout the program.

For more information, contact Associate Professor Annette Burgess.

The program aims to:

  • Develop the teaching and assessment skills required for health professional students to participate in peer teaching and assessment programs.
  • Develop the skills required of health professional students to provide effective feedback to their peers.
  • Assist health professional students to recognise opportunities for teaching and learning within clinical settings, and contribute to the knowledge and skill development of their peers.
  • Provide and encourage opportunities for interprofessional learning and team collaboration that can be applied to professional practice.

This program is divided into 6 modules:

  • Module 1: Introduction to the teacher training program and effective feedback.
  • Module 2: Planning and delivering a teaching session.
  • Module 3: Teaching a skill.
  • Module 4: Assessment and feedback in the clinical setting.
  • Module 5: Small group teaching.
  • Module 6: Effective clinical handover

Clinical Teaching Training

The Clinical Teacher Training program is designed to provide health professionals with opportunities to develop skills in teaching, assessment, feedback, mentorship, and journal club presentation.

Participants will be provided with theoretical background and opportunities for active participation in small group, interprofessional learning teams. Course participants receive a certificate as evidence of formal training in teaching and assessment.

Delivery: this is an online course delivered across six weeks.

The program aims to:

  • Develop the teaching and assessment skills required for health professional students to participate in peer teaching and assessment programs.
  • Develop the skills required of health professional students to provide effective feedback to their peers.
  • Assist health professional students to recognise opportunities for teaching and learning within clinical settings, and contribute to the knowledge and skill development of their peers.
  • Provide and encourage opportunities for interprofessional learning and team collaboration that can be applied to professional practice.

This program is divided into 10 modules:

  • Module 1 - Introduction to the Clinical Teacher Training program
  • Module 2 - Feedback in the clinical setting
  • Module 3 - Planning and delivering a teaching session
  • Module 4 - Facilitating small group learning in the health professions
  • Module 5 - Key tips for teaching in the clinical setting
  • Module 6 - Teaching a skill
  • Module 7 - Effective clinical handover
  • Module 8 - Team-based learning: design, facilitation
  • Module 9 - Journal club and critical appraisal
  • Module 10 – Mentorship