Using a Valid and Reliable Measure to Assess Clinical Instructor Self-perception of Teaching Behaviors

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to 1) use the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Questionnaire (CTEQ) to determine the self-perception of clinical teaching effectiveness (CTE) with a current sample of clinical instructors (CIs) and 2) determine if a relationship exists between CI characteristics and self-perceived ratings. Methods. A cross-sectional study was completed with a convenience sample of 194 physical therapists who served as CIs for 2 universities in the Northeast. Participants completed demographic data and the 30-item CTEQ, a valid and reliable tool, consisting of 4 sections with 8 subscales. Data were reported descriptively, and Mann–Whitney U tests were completed to determine significant relationships between CI characteristics and the CTEQ subscales. Results. Overall, CIs agreed they were effective clinical teachers. Analysis revealed significant differences in scoring on the subscales of the CTEQ based on curricular model of the program from which the CI graduated, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) membership, number of students supervised, APTA Advanced CI Credentialing, experience in a teaching role, highest degree earned, and Center Coordinator of Clinical Education role. Discussion and Conclusion. The CTEQ provides a preliminary valid measure for assessing CTE in physical therapy practice. Multiple factors were discovered to have an influence on CI's self-perception of clinical teaching using the CTEQ. Notably, the long-term impact of problem-based learning curricula were associated with identification of student learning domains and total score on the CTEQ, adding new information regarding curricular influence on CIs' self-perception of CTE. The CTEQ can be used by academic programs and clinical sites to develop strategies to better prepare CIs delivery of high-quality clinical education experiences.

Professional Experience Related to Self-Assessed Teaching Effectiveness Among Physical Therapist Clinical Instructors

“…Earlier research did not consistently demonstrate a relationship between the highest degree earned and CTE. 6 Wetherbee et al 9 and Morren et al 10 found no significant relationship between highest degree earned and CTE, whereas Buccieri et al 25 and Wormley et al 15 did find a positive relationship between highest degree earned and CTE. Several previous studies examining ABPTS certification and CTE found no relationship.…”

Perspective for change: establishing the need for clinical instructor competencies in physical therapist education

“…Despite their intrinsic benefits, all tools have drawbacks such as reliance on a single perspective and a lack of specificity to contemporary teaching strategies. [21][22][23] Additionally, no data exist detailing how frequently these tools are utilized, which makes it difficult to determine how consistently CIs are assessed or provided with feedback. The tool most referenced in clinical settings is the APTA Physical Therapist Student Evaluation: Clinical Experience and Clinical Instruction (PTSE).…”

“…The most contemporary tool is the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Questionnaire (CTEQ). 23 Developed by Wormley et al, 23 the CTEQ is a validated self-reflection tool for CIs. Self-reflection is an important mechanism in the development of skill and expertise, but there can be concerns related to the accuracy of rating in such tools; high achievers tend to underrate performance and low achievers tend to overrate performance.…”

Construct Validity and Internal Consistency of the Physical Therapist Student Evaluation of Clinical Experience and Clinical Instruction

“…This effort provided the foundational content for clinical instructor training and assessment in physical therapy clinical education. Researchers and educators have since identified similar clinical instructor characteristics and categories, while also noting the importance of supervisory skills and environmental support of clinical instruction(Newstead, Johnston, Nisbet, McAllister,2017;Wormley, Romney, & Greer, 2018; Recker-Hughes,Wetherbee, Buccieri, Fitzpatrick Timmerberg & Stolfi, 2014;Bridges, et al, 2013;Kelly, 2007; American Physical Therapy Association, 2004; American Physical Therapy Association, 2003) (Wormley et al, 2018;Recker Hughes et al, 2010;Buccieri et al, 2006). vantage points.…”

“…not regularly assessed. More recently,Wormley et al (2018) studied CI perspectives using the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Questionnaire(Wormley, Romney, & Greer, 2017) and its 30 CI characteristics in the categories of Learning Experience, Learning Environment, Communication, and Evaluation. They found that, overall, clinical instructors rated themselves as effective in each category of clinical teaching.…”