Act. Listen. Teach.

Act. Listen. Teach. 

Well basically this set sums up the things we did on the first of our teaching course. Although the activities significantly varied, the goal was just one I think – to learn more about learning and the proper use of this knowledge in the future.

Act. Our section was first assigned to do fun role playing. We were divided into groups to simulate a given case. Some of us acted as patients. Few as caregivers. Mostly as ourselves, PTs.  Thinking it was like an acting class, it seemed like everyone really enjoyed the session. Interesting enough, our versions of the conditions assigned to us were OSCE-worthy performances. But more than that, learning about the considerations to be observed and the way we should handle and communicate our clients was a better point to note.

Listen. In the afternoon, we’re then tasked to go over an old video of us teaching an exercise to a client. It was a bit annoying to hear your voice in a video, actually. But then again, that wasn’t the focus. It was how we effectively facilitated learning of our clients, the tone and the way we approached the session and how we can still improve giving instructions to ensure its optimal translation to our client.

Teach. Last part, we were taught yoga. Our group was instructed by Ma’am Mia Rotor. More than our tight muscles, one thing very evident during the session was her effective mode instruction and feedback. Since most of us are newbies, the activities were paced in such a way everyone could follow. Poses were repeated per set enabling us to get a knack of it.

So I learned:                                                                                                                                                                        

Align teaching with client's motivations, characteristics and condition.           

Listen closely for vital information; always identify points for improvement.         

Individualize treatment.