What is the study field and working area of clinical pedagogics?
Clinical pedagogy is a field of study focused on the art and science of teaching within a practical, hands-on environment. It's not about general teaching methods, but rather how to effectively guide learners in real-world settings, often referred to as clinical experiences.
What are the main features of clinical pedagogics?
- Focus on Reflection: Helps learners analyze their experiences and improve their practice.
- Context-Specific: Teaching strategies are tailored to the specific clinical setting (e.g., medical training, teacher education).
- Mentorship-Driven: Experienced professionals guide and support learners
What are important sub-areas in clinical pedagogics?
There aren't strictly defined sub-areas, but clinical pedagogy can be applied to various fields with hands-on training, such as:
- Medical Education
- Teacher Training
- Social Work Training
What are key concepts in clinical pedagogics?
- Clinical Pedagogical Skills: These include "noticing" key aspects of the experience, "intervening" when necessary, and "unpacking" the learning process with the learner.
- Pathways of Practice: Frameworks outlining how these skills can be sequenced for optimal learning.
Who are influential figures in clinical pedagogics?
- The field is relatively new, but scholars like Marilyn Cochran-Smith have been instrumental in developing the concept of clinical pedagogy.
Why is clinical pedagogics important?
- Improves the quality of professional training by bridging theory and practice.
- Equips learners with critical thinking and reflection skills for real-world situations.
- Fosters better outcomes for clients or patients in professions with clinical applications.
How is clinical pedagogics applied in practice?
- Clinical educators (e.g., teacher supervisors, medical mentors) use clinical pedagogy to guide trainees during their practical experiences.
- Teacher education programs integrate clinical pedagogy to prepare future educators for the realities of the classroom.
- Healthcare professions can utilize clinical pedagogy to enhance training effectiveness.
Study fields and work areas:
