It’s Not Just What You Know

The article is from this month’s Pediatrics about the non-cognitive factors that contribute to being a great clinical teacher. It’s not just about what you know. Great teachers encourage self-motivation in their learners by

• Being enthusiastic (they really love their job and it shows)
• Demonstrating leadership (they walk the walk). To paraphrase one of my mentors, don’t be afraid that your students aren’t listening to you— be afraid that they’re always watching you.
• Being a coach (knowing when to push versus one to support)
• Demonstrating lifelong learning as students themselves, and
• Being prepared for when things go wrong (troubleshooting and introspection)