A framework of teaching competencies across the medical education continuum

Abstract

Background: The quality of teachers in higher education is subject of increasing attention, as exemplified by the development and implementation of guidelines for teacher qualifications at Universities in The Netherlands.

Aim: Because medical education takes a special position in higher education the Council of Deans of Medical Schools in The Netherlands installed a national task force to explore a method to weigh criteria for teacher qualifications of medical teachers.

Methods: A framework was developed covering competencies of teachers throughout the medical education continuum and including medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.

Results: The framework distinguishes 3 dimensions: (a) six domains of teaching (development – organization – execution – coaching – assessment – evaluation); (b) three levels in the organization at which teachers perform (micro, meso and macro level) and (c) competencies as integration of knowledge, skills and attitude and described as behaviour in specific context. The current framework is the result of several cycles of descriptions, feedback from the field and adaptations. It is meant as a guideline, leaving room for local detailing.

Conclusion: The framework provides a common language that may be used not only by teachers and teacher trainers, but also by quality assurance committees, human resource managers and institutional boards.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

W. M. Molenaar

W.M. (INEKE) MOLENAAR was trained and practiced as pathologist. She is professor of Medical Education and Head of the Center for Professionalization of Teachers at the Institute for Medical Education, University Medical Center Groningen.

A. Zanting

ANNEKE ZANTING is educational psychologist at the Medical Training Institute of the Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam. Her focus is on educational training and coaching of medical teachers and clinical supervisors.

P. van Beukelen

PETER VAN BEUKELEN is veterinarian and professor Quality Improvement in Veterinary Education and member of the Education Board of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University. He is involved in the development and implementation of Basic and Senior Teaching Qualifications.

W. de Grave

WILLEM DE GRAVE is educational psychologist at the Department of Educational Development and Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences of Maastricht University. His major interests and research focus are in the areas of PBL and faculty development.

J. A. Baane

J.A. (COBY) BAANE is educationalist, Faculty Development Program and Teach the Teacher Project at the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam (AMC). Her focus is on the central role of the teacher and quality assurance in both the (under)graduate and specialty training programs.

J. A. Bustraan

JACQUELINE BUSTRAAN is an educationalist and works as a researcher and consultant at PLATO (Centre for research and development in education and training of Leiden University) and the Educational Expertise Centre of Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC). Important themes in her work are the development of curricula, learning environments and adult/professional learning.

R. Engbers

RIK ENGBERS is an educationalist working in the domain professional development of teachers within the UMC St Radboud in Nijmegen and is involved in both the (under)graduate and specialty training programs.

Th. E. Fick

TOM E. FICK retired as a surgeon in the Dutch Army and became active in the field of medical education as project manager in the new Utrecht medical curriculum. After implementation, he became coordinator and tutor of the faculty development program and examiner of the curriculum elective program.

J. C. G. Jacobs

J.C.G. (ANITA) JACOBS is an educationalist and a medical doctor. She works at the Institute for Education and Training, VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam. Her main activities are the coordination of the faculty development program including research in this field, and curriculum innovation.

J. M. Vervoorn

J.M. (MARJOKE) VERVOORN is a dentist and Educational Director of the Academic Center Dentistry Amsterdam. She is and was strongly involved in the development and implementation of the new dental curriculum.