The evaluation of a training program for improving residents' teaching skills.

As a response to the growing recognition of the need for improvement in medical instructional practices, a training program on teaching skills for resident physicians in the East Tennessee State University College of Medicine was implemented. The program consisted of 13 weekly, one-hour, small-group sessions attended by 20 residents. The microteaching method was utilized for practicing instructional techniques. Significant gains in teaching performance and in attitude toward participating in a teaching skills program were demonstrated, on the basis of videotaped teaching performances and a written questionnaire, indicating that short training programs can assist physicians in the process of instructional improvement.