The Instructor Development Course
The Instructor Development Course
The Instructor Development Course refines and elevates the educational talents of experienced medical instructors teaching adult learners.
The Instructor Development Course was created to help experienced medical professionals strengthen and refine their talents for teaching adult learners. The course provides comprehensive training in instructional techniques, curriculum design, and the operational knowledge required to effectively teach medical training, such as the Austere Emergency Care course.
Who Should Take this Course?
This course is designed for medical professionals at any level who want to strengthen their teaching abilities, identify personal growth areas, and practice foundational techniques to enhance their effectiveness as educators. Any level of experience with educating is welcome.
The two-day program is suited for busy practitioners looking to elevate their instructional skills. This course is eligible for up to 16 hours of continuing education credits.
What can you expect from the Course?
During the 2-day in-person session, participants will present both short-form and full blocks of instruction using techniques learned while in the course.
Students are required to review online pre-course lessons and complete a short quiz.
To receive the course completion certificate, students must participate in the full block of instruction and complete the online activities.
Course Structure
Before your course begins, you’ll be assigned a small amount of online pre-work. This work has an easy-to-follow format, and lessons consist of a mix of practical and theory. Participants have commented that this online learning provides a wealth of information prior to the in-person classes, which enhance your learning experience and level of preparedness.
During the in-person training, the 2-day course meets each learner at their current skill level and introduces foundational educational theory.
Course Overview
Throughout the course, you will:
- Learn and apply basic techniques using visual aids, props, and hands-on teaching methods
- Practice instructional techniques in real time with peers, receiving continuous feedback and opportunities for improvement
- Enhance instructional capabilities through practical exercises, team-teaching sessions, and skill validation
- Engage in ongoing assessment, including pre- and post-course analytics, to measure progress and support long-term teaching effectiveness
Course Content
During the 2-day in-person session, participants will present both short-form and full blocks of instruction using techniques learned while in the course. What will be covered:
- Topics include learning theories, teaching methodologies, course design, operational context, and the use of learning management systems
- Post-program analytics for continuous improvement
- Online pre-work presents short videos and reference articles to set a foundation prior to in-person learning
- Overview of instructor curriculum and learning principles
- Teaching skills development, team teaching, and practical exercises
- Develop and deliver medical courses while also evaluating participants
- Demonstration lectures and use of multimedia tools
- Participant lectures, evaluations, and instructor validation
Best Practices
The course was designed by senior medical educators with both advanced medical and education degrees. Developed in response to the common gap where clinicians are placed in instructional roles without formal training, it was initially intended as a prerequisite for SMS’s Austere Emergency Care cadre but quickly grew into a respected, stand-alone program.
Ready to Take a Course?
We are proud to partner with international training companies to deliver the best curriculum to participants. If your company is interested in hosting a training, or becoming a training partner, please contact us.
Want to join in on a course that’s already scheduled? Check out the calendar.
“That was the best course I’ve ever taken. Not teaching course, not medical course. The overall best course!”
Clifford
at SOMA 2025
“I think the professors at our college need to take something like this. It is at a level that we rarely reach with standard instructor courses, even at the university level.”
Ella, UK MD, PhD
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