OPT029: Clinical teaching, education and assessment

This module is aimed at practitioners with an interest in clinical teaching or supervision at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, including pre-registration and specialist levels.

This module has a particular emphasis on:

• developing new ways of teaching
• collaborating with fellow clinical teachers
• undergraduate and postgraduate education for clinical practitioners
• using feedback for ongoing professional development

It is delivered and assessed online, allowing you to explore online methods of learning, assessment and interaction.

You will explore the theory and application of teaching and assessment methods in the context of your clinical profession. The module would therefore be of interest to clinical teaching practitioners across a range of clinical professions.

This is a distance learning only module and you will be asked to record a teaching session as part of their practical assessment but there is no university-based practical element.

Learning objectives

On completion of the module you should be able to:

• critically reflect knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to teaching in UK optometry and healthcare
• evaluate and apply modern key concepts of health care education and assessment and be able to apply them to challenges within your environment and practice
• explore, critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate evidence-based literature, and concepts in education and teaching methods to inform the development of teaching practice
• present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision-making in written work
• effectively reflect on and evaluate learning
• problem solve and develop recommendations based on evidence and sound judgment
• address and reflect on the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of teaching

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via 20 audio podcasts, delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references integral to the module.

The podcasts present bite-size teaching and learning theories linked to the supplied resources and references. Students will select podcasts that are relevant to their professional teaching context and interests. It is expected that students will study between 10 and 15 podcasts plus associated resources during the module.

The coursework you will complete addresses many of the areas that an application for a qualification in teaching will require - theory of teaching, theory of assessment and evidence of teaching. Past students have used their work as the basis for such applications, an example being the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. The pieces of coursework you complete will begin to form a portfolio of your study and application of teaching practice.

Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for students to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with the course tutors and their peers.

This module takes one semester to complete.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Academic skills

• Advance your knowledge and understanding
• Collate and synthesise information from several resources to improve learning
• Write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
• Interpret data

Generic skills

• Manage projects and time
• Work independently
• Use a range of IT software packages and online resources
• Problem-solving

Syllabus content

• Theory of learning styles and motivation for study
• Theory and evidence for teaching practices of clinicians
• Supporting the development of independent learning and study skills in adults
• Creating a learning culture and the language of teaching
• Clinical demonstrating and clinical supervising
• Using case-based learning strategies in clinical  teaching
• Educational theory and research into assessment practice
• Work-based assessment
• Designing assessments to facilitate learning in clinical practice
• Peer review and peer assessment
• Self-assessment and reflective practice
• Critical reflection on personal and professional development
• Methods to give effective feedback to students
• Designing different ways to collect feedback from students and peers
• Reflecting on learning and ongoing professional development