FD4ME - Dealing with Difficult Students: The Slow, the Rude, and the Uncaring

This module presents a framework for assessing and addressing the issues related to the difficult learner in the medical education environment.  Using the classic medical assessment rubric, the characteristics of the three major types of difficult learners are presented and then accompanied by diagnostic criteria (assessment) and specific treatment plans. 

By understanding the types of "difficulties" these learners embody, it becomes easy to conceptualize the key assessment points and derive appropriate treatment plans.  Specific personnel (faculty) and organizational resources at each facility will greatly influence specific treatment opportunities; it is by using such a framework that a defined diagnostic and treatment plan can be reliably formulated for that overriding medical education challenge -"the difficult learner."

Participants who complete this module will be able to:

1. Recognize key concepts related to adult education--pedagogy vs. andragogy.
2. Understand and be able to apply important medical education concepts (tools of the trade) such as feedforward/feedback and coaching.
3. Describe the 3 cardinal qualities of a teacher/facilitator, according to Carl Rogers.
4. Differentiate and be able to diagnose the three types of difficult learners: the slow learner, the learner with poor interaction skills and the unmotivated learner.
5. Develop an effective intervention treatment plan for the slow learner, the learner with poor interaction skills, and the unmotivated learner.

Note: If you need assistance accessing this course, have a disability that requires digitally accessible accommodations, or would like to request a digitally accessible course completion certificate, please email ScarletCanvasMedEd@osumc.edu or call 614-366-0943. We will respond to your request within two business days.