Bridging Class and Field: Field Instructors’ and Liaisons’ Reactions to Information About Students’ Baseline Performance Derived From Simulated Interviews

ABSTRACT

To strengthen students’ preparation for engaging in field learning, an innovation was implemented to teach and assess foundation-year students’ performance prior to entering field education. An Objective Structured Clinical Examination informed the final evaluation of students’ performance in two companion courses on practice theory and skills. The evaluation was used by field instructors and students to develop the field learning plan. This article reports on a qualitative study that examined field instructors’ and faculty field liaisons’ experiences and reactions to using this new approach and its impact in shaping students’ field learning goals. Implications for supporting adoption of innovations that strengthen the link between classroom and field teaching are offered, including new institutional policies that resulted from ongoing evaluation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marion Bogo

Marion Bogo is professor at the University of Toronto. Barbara Lee is assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. Eileen McKee is assistant dean, and Roxanne Ramjattan and Stephanie L. Baird are doctoral students at the University of Toronto.

Barbara Lee

Marion Bogo is professor at the University of Toronto. Barbara Lee is assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. Eileen McKee is assistant dean, and Roxanne Ramjattan and Stephanie L. Baird are doctoral students at the University of Toronto.

Eileen McKee

Marion Bogo is professor at the University of Toronto. Barbara Lee is assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. Eileen McKee is assistant dean, and Roxanne Ramjattan and Stephanie L. Baird are doctoral students at the University of Toronto.

Roxanne Ramjattan

Marion Bogo is professor at the University of Toronto. Barbara Lee is assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. Eileen McKee is assistant dean, and Roxanne Ramjattan and Stephanie L. Baird are doctoral students at the University of Toronto.

Stephanie L. Baird

Marion Bogo is professor at the University of Toronto. Barbara Lee is assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. Eileen McKee is assistant dean, and Roxanne Ramjattan and Stephanie L. Baird are doctoral students at the University of Toronto.