Teaching is the Best Way to Learn

Lauren, I am in agreement with you! I just spent ten weeks in an outpatient clinic that has a great student/volunteer program. I had the pleasure of working alongside a SPTA who had not been in an outpatient clinic before. I learned SO much by explaining to her exercises or different manual treatments. Through observing her guarding techniques, I was able to better mine.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the clinic had a high school student shadow for a day. I became the student's "supervisor" and showed him the ins and outs of the space and practice. However, what I found most beneficial was explaining to him why I'm doing each exercise then having him perform the excise with the patient really kept him involved and enjoying his day with us! Education goes both ways!

Lauren,

I would say that those involved in the PT profession, whether they're 1st year students or experienced practicing clinicians, would have to enjoy and be to proficient in teaching to a particular degree. As Rebecca mentioned, physical therapists ARE teachers in so many different ways and to so many different populations of individuals (patients, caregivers, fellow students, fellow therapists, etc.) and each population may need to be taught using a different approach. This also requires physical therapists to identify various learning styles and adapt their educational approach accordingly...easier said than done.

Becoming an adjunct faculty member is a respectable goal, and would fulfill your desire to incorporate teaching into your career. An alternative method of weaving education into your profession (that does NOT require you to return for even MORE school) would be to become a Clinical Instructor (CI).  Obviously, CI's are essential for us as physical therapy students, and for professional development as a whole. I can honestly say that I've learned so much from my CI's that I did not learn in the classroom, many of which were not ABLE to be taught in the classroom but are essential to become a successful practicing clinician. Becoming a Clinical Instructor would give you the opportunity fulfill that urge to teach like many of us have, without the added expense of graduate school!

Lauren,

 I too have wondered about a teaching position sometime after graduating from PT school. I've been lucky to have some awesome professors and I think it would be great to give back to a younger generation in that way.  I also share your desire to not obtain a PhD! I think we've had an interviewing professor with only about 6 years of clinical experience, but with less experience that would limit what schools would consider you for a faculty position.  I also like Rebecca's point that we are always educators in PT - to our patients, their families, and the community around us.  Knowing that I have to pass my knowledge along always helps to motivate me when I'm studying!

Hi Lauren and Brittany,

I agree with you both.  I have also found that I am most confident in my knowledge after I am able to teach it to someone else. The desire to teach is a quality that lends itself well to the physical therapy profession. Physical therapists are educators to their patients, patients' families, other health care providers, etc.  We must be able to communicate and relay information in a way that our patients can understand and buy into. Motivating our patients will be an important task for us and a skill that I hope to develop as we continue to get more clinical experience.  I believe being able to communicate/teach will be a key component of our therapy in that way.

Lauren, in one of your other posts you said that you found it challenging to have the skype session with your uncle because you had to try to explain all the special tests to him. I agree that having a hands-on experience is best; but it's also great that you were able to test your communication skills and practice in that way.  We should take every opportunity we can to challenge ourselves.

Hi Lauren,

This is something I have also wondered after recently obsering a clinician's lecture that was part of the faculty interview process.  While I do not have the answer, I have noticed that I do enjoy the teaching styles of "younger/newer" clinicians.  Although they might have fewer years of experience in PT practice, the professors I've had are so interested in staying up to date on the most recent advances in research, and stress evidence-based practice, that class is always interesting. It seems it is always more exciting to learn something new! I think the best option would be to find a happy medium when considering years of clinical experience.

We also had third year students serve as teaching aides in a portion of our first year neuroscience course. This was my favorite way to learn in neuroscience; the aides helped take the lecture and textbook readings and translate them in a more understandable, applicable manner.  Sometimes I do find it easier to learn through teaching or discussing with a peer. I think it's wonderful that you've serving as a TA and I'm sure the students you help feel the same.