Section 3: Active Observation of Student Performance
Active observation of a student in the exam room can be helpful for real-time feedback. However, it is important to take into account the student’s learning style, ability to cope with the anxiety of being observed, and impact on the patient’s experience. Below are some pros and cons to the Active Observation model.
The Pros/Cons of Active Observation
PROS
- Silent/Objective Observer
- Better able to observe nuances
- Asking follow up questions
- Can observe real patient or peer
- Real-time Feedback
CONS
- Interfering with the examination
- Student anxiety with preceptor there (can watch on video as an option)
- Student may focus on task completion rather than patient care
- No time to digest question before answering, and assessment of student knowledge base may be affected
- Observing real patients should not have a negative tone as this may impact patient trust in their care they are receiving
Image courtesy of Marshall B Ketchum University Southern California College of Optometry
