Challenging Learner
Healthcare training is demanding and most of our learners navigate their way through with relatively few difficulties. However, for some learners or at some point in time for any learner, stress and life circumstances can create pressures and problems. We have included resources to help faculty and preceptors diagnose and effectively manage challenging learners and learning situations.
Just in Time
These Just in Time resources are ideal if you only have a couple of minutes to start finding out about Challenging Learner.
Getting Students to Embrace Struggle While Learning
Source: Teaching Channel: Expeditionary Learning Deeper Learning Series
A few pearls from Dr. Carol Dweck about challenging students and growth mindset.
Additional Resources:
- Approach to the Challenging Learner (PDF)
Three steps for diagnosing the challenging learner. - Common Case Teaching Challenges and Possible Solutions (PDF)
Addresses common challenges for teaching, including student concerns and course design, and discusses possible solutions - Providing Difficult Feedback: Tips for the Problem Learner (PDF)
Family Medicine. 2003 Sep; 35(8): 544–6. Provides an easy-to-use “TIPS” strategy to address difficult learners or learning situations - UCF Teaching Points: Dealing With a Difficult Learning Situation (PDF)
Summary of evidence-based strategies.
Deeper Dive
If you have more time to invest, these Deeper Dive resources are longer and/or more in depth so you can gain a deeper understanding of Challenging Learner.
Carnegie Mellon University: Solve a Teaching Problem
Provides numerous suggestions and solutions for teaching problems organized into the following categories: Attitude and Motivation; Prerequisite Knowledge & Preparedness; Critical Thinking & Applying Knowledge; Group Skills & Dynamics; Classroom Behavior & Etiquette; and Grading & Assessment.
Challenging Learning Situations in Medical Education
Canadian Family Physician. 2012 Apr; 58(4): 481–4.
Examines the educational diagnosis and management of challenging learners and learning situations.
Author(s): Miriam Lacasse, Johanne Théorêt, Patrick Skalenda, and Shirley Lee
Outlines strategies for preventing and managing difficult learning situations.