iTeach Peer Mentoring for Faculty

Purpose: The purpose of the iTeach program is to provide feedback and recommendations to individuals engaged in medical education with the intent to improve skills and foster career development.

Brief Summary: Individual mentees will request a mentoring consultation from the University of Colorado School of Medicine Academy of Medical Educators. Upon request, the educator will be matched with a trained mentor with expertise in the style of teaching chosen (i.e., lecture, small group, bedside). A three-phase iTeach mentoring assessment would then be performed over the ensuing 6-8 weeks.

Phase I: Pre-Observation

1. The mentor contacts the matched mentee to arrange a time for a pre-observation meeting, the direct observation and the post observation session.
2. The mentee completes a survey instrument, including structured self-reflection.
3. The mentor and mentee meet to review expectations and self-reflections, including:
   1. Expectations and goals of the consultation
   2. Expectations and goals of the mentee
   3. The mentee’s self-perceptions of their teaching ability (review of recent teaching evaluations)
   4. Strengths and weaknesses
   5. Areas of desired help/improvement
   6. Remind the mentee that the coaching is confidential
   7. Discuss how mentor will be introduced in the “classroom/teaching site,” i.e. “The observer is here as part of faculty development”
   8. Self-reflection​ (structured)

Phase II: Direct Observation

An observation session will occur using one of three previously derived assessment instrument:

• Lecture Teaching Observation Feedback form
• Small Group Teaching Observation Feedback form
• Clinical Teaching Observation Feedback form​

These instruments address both interpersonal and communication and teaching skills, as the two are significantly related.

During the observation, the mentor will strive to separate the content and/or clinical issues.

Phase III: Post Observation

• The mentor prepares a summary of the educators strengths, weaknesses and recommendations, 
• The mentor and mentee will then meet to review the iTeach Observation. 
• Six months after the assessment, the mentee’s teaching evaluations will be will be reviewed.
• A post assessment effectiveness survey will be performed.

Clinial Observation Feedback Form

Small Group Observation Feedback form

Lecture Observation Feedback form

Feedback form - open format-Leeds​​

Reflection form​​ completed by mentee prior to observation session