Practical Framework for Fostering a Positive Learning Environment

The Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics continues the series about skills of, and strategies used by great clinical teachers. Great clinical teachers recognize that many things influence students’ learning, including what they teach, how they teach, and where they teach.1,2 “Where” refers to the learning environment. Although the term “environment” may conjure visions of trees, snow-capped mountains, and rain, the “learning environment” refers to the setting in which the curriculum exists. The learning environment includes the physical, social, and psychological context in which students learn and the overall atmosphere or culture pervading the setting where students and clinical teachers work and learn together.3,4 Although the learning environment of an institution is greatly influenced at the organizational level, this article will focus on elements under the control of individual teachers. We describe practical ways busy clinical teachers can foster a positive learning environment. A positive learning environment helps students succeed,5 affects their moral development,6 and models a humanistic approach to medicine.7 Recently, the Association of American Medical Colleges released a statement on the optimal learning environment.8 However, for decades, great clinical teachers have known that the learning environment affects ethical and personal development.9 Orienting students leads to improved preparedness for clinical work,10 and encouraging students to be active participants in the learning process leads to enhanced learning.11 In addition, the presence of exemplary role models enhances learning.12 Clinical teachers foster a positive learning environment in many practical ways (Table 1). In pediatrics, students worry about “breaking” a … Address correspondence to Susan L. Bannister, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3B 6A8. E-mail: susanl.bannister{at}albertahealthservices.ca

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