How to Be a Good Educator

Abstract

In this rapidly and constantly evolving world of learner competencies, professionality, assessments, and outcomes, the important role of clinical educators is often forgotten. We can all remember some clinical teachers despite the draining years of medical school and residency training. They were admired for the teaching pearls and remembered for the insights and inspiration they granted us. But what precisely were the qualities they possessed that other educators did not have? What exactly did they have that made them a good clinical teacher in medicine and how to be as good at them? This chapter will present the science and art of teaching, principles of outcome-based education and what makes a good educator. It will also discuss ways to bridge the gap between education theory and practice.