Handbook on the Development of a System of Instruction for Medical Students: Using Examples from Pediatric Education.

Methods of improving the pediatric clerkship are used to develop procedures for educating students in basic science and clinical education programs. The model of instruction first lists the instructional objectives, then defines what the learner knows prior to instruction, plans instructional procedures to supply the missing abilities and skills, and institutes evaluation procedures. Evaluation data can alter the objectives, preassessment, and instructional procedures. Performance requirements are analyzed in this handbook regarding skill in gathering and recording information, competence in defining the patient's problems, judgment on physician intervention and treatment, accepting responsibility for health maintenance, and effectiveness of attitudes toward one's role as a physician. Described are effects of the development of the handbook on faculty attitudes, pediatric instruction, pediatric evaluation, and prerequisite courses. Extensive appendices are included on rating forms, self-instructional units, core seminars, and objectives. (LBH)