Centre for Medical Education outreach

A range of free resources to help you continue to deliver a high quality of teaching and assessment during the current situation

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Medical education is a hugely important field across the globe. Now, more than ever, we're seeing the importance of using technology to improve our approaches to the fundamental principles of teaching and assessment in a medical context.

Free medical education resources

  • Getting Started with Medical Education
    • Our free digital download covers technology-enhanced learning, critical thinking and feedback, and assessment design to minimise cheating, among other key topics
  • Access to our exclusive webinars
    • Our experts will share insight and discuss issues and opportunities to apply to your teaching

Tips for getting started with online medical education

Shape the learning environment

Think about how you can shape the learning environment - though this can be more difficult online than in a physical classroom. 

Many online students find it useful to have notes ahead of class so that they can download before the session, but also consider the kind of content you use.

Visual and aural learners might benefit from images and videos to help cement their learning, and also find it useful to see you on camera rather than just a slideshow presentation.

Active learning

Teaching in small groups should involve some form of active learning where students think for themselves, solve problems, justify their decisions/opinion, and set their own learning goals. 

Use brainstorming, games and quizzes, paired or group discussion, and anecdote sharing as starting points for active learning.

Assessment

Assessment is a valuable tool for monitoring the progress of students, but it can also be used to help you reflect on the effectiveness of your curriculum design or teaching. 

Is there a frequent sticking point that students struggle with? Would certain topics be better assessed using a different method? Make sure there is valid and reliable reasoning for performing assessments in the way you have chosen.

Your peers

One of the most valuable resources for your personal development as a tutor is your peers. Spend time observing them in action, and share notes and lesson plans freely – who knows, your next big idea could be sparked by something someone else in your organisation is currently doing.

Struggling students

Aside from teaching students, as educators, we also have to be aware of when students are struggling, and help support them through this. 

Signs to watch out for include: exam failure, poor performance during clinical attachments, periods of absence, lack of response to emails, changing behaviours or mood. Be aware that you may need to look beyond a smiling face to detect hidden problems.