Author: Debra Cain

Learning Styles

When I took the Learning Styles Inventory my style was computed as Read/Write. I’m not sure if this it 100% accurate because, I have always thought of myself as more of a visual learner. After reading our assigned chapter I feel that I fall into the experience driven category, which is learning by doing or observing. However, at the same time when I’m given new information to learn, I  have to read it multiple times for the information to sink in and by writing the information out it helps me digest the new material. So with that being said, I don’t think that everyone should be defined as having only one particular learning style. 

When I first started seeing patients in clinic I found it helpful for the instructors to point out calculus and had me feel the calculus that was still remaining. This did’nt just teaching me how to remove the calculus, but to identify the different types of calculus (grainy, rings, ledges, bumps), and it also helped me in making sure that I was using my explorer correctly. Prior to clinic I made sure I completed all the readings so that I could apply the information I read to the clinical setting.

I am positive that there are different learning styles. Whether you fall under one learning style or are a mixture of styles, I feel that as a student if you are aware of how you learn best it can help you achieve better study habits.

Clinical Instructor Characteristics

Throughout all my years of schooling I have always need my parents, teachers, instructors and professors to be patient. I hate to feel like I’m being rushed to learn something and when someone looses patience I completely shut down.  I am more of a hands on learner, so the didactic information that I learn really sinks in when I am using it in clinic. During my experience here at OSU I feel that I have had an array of clinical instructors, some that have been very positive giving me great feedback and some that I felt intimidated by, which in turn pushes me to be more prepared for random questions. As I sit back and really think about which clinical instructor is most valuable to me I have to say that it is those that have pushed me to look farther into a patients needs. Don’t get me wrong its always great to get positive feedback about my clinic day, but its far more rewarding when it comes from an instructor who is harder to please and expects  the best from you everyday! The characteristics that these instructors have displayed are:

  • Patience, since they know that we are still learning
  • Enthusiasm, you can genuinely see the passion that they have for the profession and for the patients
  • Knowledge, they always have information and guidance that they are willing to share
  • Feedback, one of the best ways to learn and grow as a student.

After reading the chapters in the Clinical Teaching Handbook I realized that these where all characteristics that make up an excellent clinical instructor. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that the qualities that we had listed as a class during our synchronous meeting where also on the list.

patience is a form of wisdom jon kabat-zinn

Hello Again!!

Hello Everyone!! My name is Debra Cain and I’m excited to be back for my last semester here at OSU. I have been married for eight years now and this October will make it nine. We truly balance each other out. I have a four year old son named Ethan who I absolutely love and adore more than anything in the world. My husband and I have recently decided to stay in Ohio after graduation, and have just purchased a home in Lima, Ohio. As if this last semester isn’t challenging enough with written and clinical boards, midterms and finals, we will be moving in to our new home on the day that I take my written board! Looks like I’m not lifting a finger!! Haha. Before attending OSU, I enjoyed gardening, reading, zumba and taking walks. I’m looking forward to going back to a normal adult life in four months!!!. My plans for after graduation are to find a full time position, however I wouldn’t be upset if all I can fine in the beginning is a part time position. My birthday is January 25th and I’m turning 31, I’m not a spring chicken like the others in my class and so if I’m going to have another child I better get started soon! 😉 I cant wait to see you all soon!