Thursday, August 2, 2012

Clinical Instruction in Lactation: Teaching the Next Generation - iBreastfeeding.com

What Makes A Good Clinical Instructor?

It is easy to find individuals who want to be IBCLCs. In many parts of the world, there are programs in a variety of formats, styles, and locations that teach the essential didactic background of lactation consulting. What is missing are sufficient numbers of qualified individuals who will offer supervised clinical instruction for the preparation of IBCLCs.

Clinical instructors require a special skill set that enables them to guide new professionals in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Not all experienced IBCLCs want to serve as clinical instructors. Of those who wish to do so, not all will have the necessary teaching skills, experience, or professional and personal attributes that enable them to be effective clinical instructors. This chapter will explore what all good clinical instructors have in common and what can make them great.

Definition of a Clinical Instructor

The words “mentor” and “preceptor” sometimes are used interchangeably to describe individuals who provide expertise and experience and act as a role model. Figure 2.1 demonstrates how the meaning of each differs subtly from one another and sets them apart from the definition of a clinical instructor. The term “clinical instructor” as used in this text describes the person who provides educational preparation to the aspiring lactation consultant.

Clinical Instruction in Lactation: Teaching the Next Generation - iBreastfeeding.com

Clinical Instruction in Lactation: Teaching the Next Generation - iBreastfeeding.com

What Makes A Good Clinical Instructor?

It is easy to find individuals who want to be IBCLCs. In many parts of the world, there are programs in a variety of formats, styles, and locations that teach the essential didactic background of lactation consulting. What is missing are sufficient numbers of qualified individuals who will offer supervised clinical instruction for the preparation of IBCLCs.

Clinical instructors require a special skill set that enables them to guide new professionals in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Not all experienced IBCLCs want to serve as clinical instructors. Of those who wish to do so, not all will have the necessary teaching skills, experience, or professional and personal attributes that enable them to be effective clinical instructors. This chapter will explore what all good clinical instructors have in common and what can make them great.

Definition of a Clinical Instructor

The words “mentor” and “preceptor” sometimes are used interchangeably to describe individuals who provide expertise and experience and act as a role model. Figure 2.1 demonstrates how the meaning of each differs subtly from one another and sets them apart from the definition of a clinical instructor. The term “clinical instructor” as used in this text describes the person who provides educational preparation to the aspiring lactation consultant.

Clinical Instruction in Lactation: Teaching the Next Generation - iBreastfeeding.com