Abstract
These topics are often viewed as dry and are given short shrift by teachers. In truth, a deep understanding of these fundamental educational principles is central to student learning. Sometimes less experienced educators focus on how to teach a particular topic. Fascination with new technologies—the Internet, podcasts, “clickers”—which promise faster, more effective learning can lead early educators down the wrong path. Hauer and Quill remind us to slow down and step back. How we teach is a strategy and what comes before choosing a strategy is a thoughtful determining of the goals. Once the goals are clear, the most effective strategy will also become clear. If the goal is transfer of cognitive material then the internet may be the right strategy; however if the goal is changing attitudes, then a small group discussion may be better. They also remind us that choosing learning objectives requires an understanding of what the learners already know and what they are ready to learn—that is a needs assessment.
Curricular design is about increasing the chance that what happens in the classroom will result in the expected learning. When this occurs it often appears organic and effortless. Hauer and Quill provide early educators with a roadmap for making this happen. Following these steps will help faculty as they develop their own educational interventions.