The Difficult Learner Instructional Module

The Difficult Learner Module

“Prevention is better than cure”

Desiderius Erasmus

A printable overview of this topic is available HERE

Fortunately, the majority of teaching encounters are positive for both the teacher and the student. However, on occasion a difficult situation can arise. This module offers suggestions for dealing with these situations and is divided into 3 section: (i) Preventing the difficult situation, (ii) Managing the difficult situation, and (iii) Miscellaneous.

1. Preventing the Difficult Situation - Identifying a potential problem and addressing it promptly before it can escalate is sound practice. Use the following suggestions to avoid difficult situations:

a) Provide the student with a detailed orientation - Spending time at the onset of the rotation to cover the course goals, objectives, and expectations is essential to get everyone on the ‘same page’. Frequently, problems arise due to uncertainty over responsibilities. Be specific about what you expect of your student and if possible provide written direction.

b) Communication - Encourage your student to ask questions if they are unsure of something. An open dialogue is probably the most effective tool in preventing difficult situations.

c) Feedback - Regularly scheduled feedback that addresses both positive and negative aspects of the student’s performance is essential to avoid problems. Too often preceptors feel uncomfortable giving negative feedback during the rotation, and save these comments for the final written evaluation. Unfortunately, this practice does not give the student the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments in their behavior, attitude, etc. Negative feedback can be made more ‘palatable’ if it is timely, specific, focused on behavior rather than personality, and includes suggestions for improvement.

2. Managing the Difficult Situation - Some suggestions for what you can do if a problem cannot be avoided:

a) Ask questions - An open dialogue is as important in managing the difficult situation as it is in avoiding the difficult situation. Spend some time discussing the problem with the student in private. Avoid judgmental comments. Use this time to develop an understanding of the problem.

b) Encourage the student to think about potential solutions - Before you offer a solution to the problem, have the student make some suggestions. It is always helpful to have an alternative perspective

c) Avoid assumptions - Gather as much information about the problem as you can. Try to avoid drawing conclusions about a situation until you have discussed the problem with the student.

d) Look for compromises - Wherever possible look for a solution that represents a compromise. If a solution is non-negotiable spend some time explaining why.

3. Miscellaneous - Some additional suggestions for managing the difficult learner/situation:

a) Seek support - If a situation cannot be resolved or is repeated try to involve another party or contact the course director or Medical School. Do not look upon this as a personal failure. If you have followed the guidelines above you have afforded the student ample opportunity to correct any problem.

b) Grading - If a student does not deserve a passing grade you will do them no justice by assigning one. The student’s final grade should be a reflection of their weekly evaluations. If a failing grade has been assigned throughout the rotation then a final grade of fail or incomplete should not be of surprise to the student. In most cases these grades will require the student to repeat a portion or all of the rotation under the supervision of the course director.

The Difficult Learner Module

“Prevention is better than cure”

Main page | Getting Started | FAQ's | Contact Us