This study attempted to answer the following question: What
instructional methods should dietetic preceptors use to help dietetic interns
meet the performance requirements specified by the American Dietetic
Association (ADA, 1991) for entry-level dietitians? A national sample of 170
dietetic preceptors was surveyed. Ninety provided usable information to
examine both the instructional methods they used to train interns as well as
those methods they might try to use. Thirty instructional methods were
grouped into six categories: one-to-one methods, practice/experiential
methods, reading-writing methods, lecture-discussion methods,
exercises/problem sets and student-directed learning.
This study recommends seven "best" methods and seven "best"
techniques for preceptors to use when instructing interns. Two methods,
supervised practice and unsupervised practice, seemed the most important to
include in the training of potential preceptors. These methods are effective,
practical, and address criticality pertaining to the health and safety of patients
and clients.
To a lesser extent cost efficiency in these methods is related to the use
of the preceptor's time. Unsupervised practice is the least time-intensive for
the preceptor, but requires supporting techniques, such as, feedback or
conferencing, to address health and safety issues. Five less expensive
methods with equal effectiveness for promoting learning for adults can
supplement or support these more costly one-to-one and supervised practice
methods. These methods are shadowing, case studies, simulations, student-directed
seminars and role playing. In addition, self-instruction, student
teams, team building exercises, in-basket exercises and learning contracts
can be blended with other instructional methods for better preceptor
instruction.
Since only 40 percent of the 90 preceptors surveyed reported having
any preceptor training, a proposal is made to train new and experienced
preceptors in the most applicable methods and techniques they can use in
instructing and precepting dietetic interns. / Graduation date: 1995
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/35305 |
| Date | 16 August 1994 |
| Creators | Overpeck, Nancy Lee |
| Contributors | Suzuki, Warren N. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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