Book Review: Strategies for healthcare education: how to teach in the 21st century By Jan Woodhouse. Published by Radcliffe Publishing Ltd, Oxford, 2007. Paperback 168pp. Price £24.95. ISBN 1 84619 006 1

Abstract

May 2008 Vol 128 No 3 Copyright © 2008 The Journal of The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health JRSH Strategies for healthcare education: how to teach in the 21 century By Jan Woodhouse. Published by Radcliffe Publishing Ltd, Oxford, 2007. Paperback 168pp. Price £24.95. ISBN 1 84619 006 1. This is a highly readable book that provides a well-rounded introduction to approaches to teaching and learning delivery in healthcare education. It contains the collective wisdom of nine experienced nursing and healthcare educators whose shared enthusiasm in teaching led them to the write-up of this book. Twelve teaching strategies are covered, ranging from lectures to self-directed learning, and the quality of editing is consistent in both content and presentation. The authors use personal and simple language and avoid technical jargon that necessitates further definition by a glossary. Each strategy is introduced by a reflective account from the author’s experience and this is followed by a succinct definition of the approach, an appraisal of the advantages and disadvantages in application, and illustration by case study. There is a strong emphasis on using the strategies where ample references to medical and healthcare education literature have been made. Its compactness is both a strength and weakness, as the omission of learning theories, curriculum, instructional design, and assessment topics makes it deficient as an introductory text for new teachers. As a welcome addition to the line-up of titles on healthcare education, this book differs from the rest by bringing to the reader a first-hand account and reflection on the various teaching and learning strategies applied in practice. The valuable experience-sharing is most certainly sought after by front-line educators, not only in the healthcare education field but also in related areas such as adult and higher education. This book should not be missed by those who want to try out new strategies in their teaching practice but are unsure where to turn for advice. Dr Benjamin Chan Assistant Professor, University of Hong Kong