UNESCO celebrate their annual World Teachers’ Day on the 5th of October. Their intention is to celebrate the essential contribution and impact that teachers have in unleashing human potential. In addition, they also aim to highlight the support that teachers need to excel at what they do. So, it’s a good prompt for us all to pause and recognise our greatest teachers. Let’s also pause and consider what we can learn from them in fulfilling our own personal potential in supporting others to develop.
Who are UNESCO?
UNESCO’s overall purpose is to “Bring out the best in our shared humanity.” To use their own words, “Since wars begin in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that peace must be built. UNESCO uses education, science and culture to inform, inspire and engage people everywhere to foster understanding and respect for each other and our planet.”
Education touches our lives in countless ways and the role of “teacher” takes numerous forms. So, let’s bring things into a bit more focus.
Why should doctors be engaged in teaching?
Good Medical Practice clearly describes expectation for involvement in teaching for all doctors. But why?
Each individual doctor develops a variety, breadth and depth of experiences and knowledge as their career progresses. These are extremely valuable resources. Effectively sharing these resources, whilst encouraging the self-discovery and self-development of others, is essential in ensuring that what we learn is not lost, standards are maintained and the evolutionary progress continues.
Good Medical Practice also outlines the expectation of developing and maintaining all aspects of professional performance. This implies your need to regularly focus on your own ability to support other doctors to grow.
Who are the great teachers?
Well, you have probably met some of them. They are all around us and touch our lives in many ways.
Think about the best teachers that you’ve had. There are the obvious ones. Maybe a school teacher, a tutor from medical school or an Educational Supervisor. Then there are the others who have supported you informally such as the helpful locum, the friendly registrar or experienced consultant you’ve met along your journey. Now think a bit wider. Think of your dance teacher, sports coach, music tutor or anyone who’s helped you grow away from your professional career.
What made them different from the others? What impact did this have on you? Why does that matter?
Your answers probably go well beyond the person who was the great lecturer. Now, presenting and lecturing is an important skill set. But our greatest teachers are multi-dimensional. They function in numerous contexts and vary their style accordingly.
Our greatest teachers typically understand far more than what needs to be learned. They understand learners as people. They know what we generally have in common. But they are also aware of the differences between individuals. Then they engage with us as individuals. Most of all – they are committed to learning themselves.
What do doctors need to learn?
In 1832, Dr Charles Hasting’s founded the British Medical Association. His express desire was to raise the status of medical knowledge in every department of science and practice. His use of the phrase “with head, and heart and hand” is still visible in the foyer of the BMA in London today and can easily be translated to knowledge, skills and attitude.
All doctors need to develop a firm grasp on the relevant natural sciences and technical sciences related to their discipline. But there is so much more to being a good doctor. A good doctor needs to be skilled in communication, teamwork, leadership and management and – of course – teaching in all it’s various forms. A great teacher keeps all of this in mind.
Let’s return to UNESCO’s words from earlier, “Since wars begin in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that peace must be built.” Let’s substitute “wars” for “turmoil”. We don’t need to look far to see turmoil in medical practice. Education is a key component of the solution. Great teachers are essential.
What steps are you taking to fulfil your potential as being the best teacher you can be?
Stephen McGuire – Managing Director
