Engaging Students: An APPE Student’s Perspective

APPE student Hayley McDaniel was asked to reflect on the different methods and teaching styles that preceptors use that impacted her professional development and kept her engaged and motivated during three years of pharmacy practice experiences. She has shared a few ideas.

As preceptors begin a rotation, it is a continuous challenge to develop one that optimizes all aspects of learning. Finding the best tools for the student is key to finishing the program strong and learning from each rotation. Ideally, a rotation should be rewarding for the preceptor as well. As I progressed through pharmacy school, I have identified some strategies my preceptors used that were impactful to me. This has helped me come up with a few pearls to help engage students and keep them motivated.

• Review student interests, career, and rotation goals as well as expectations at the beginning of the rotation

  • Identify specific projects and activities relevant to the student and the site

• Create a calendar schedule with daily tasks, assignments, and expectations

  • Tailor activities specifically for the student’s interest, identifying areas in which they need further understanding

  • This eliminates last-minute rubric grading and allows for remediation, if necessary, in the schedule

• Check-in weekly to review strengths, areas of improvement, and future direction

  • Supports student self-assessment

  • Enhances growth throughout the rotation

• Deliver or schedule conversation-based topic discussions once a week

  • Enhances a deeper understanding of the topics

  • Develops presentation skills for the student

• Ask the student what they would like to change or what they are currently doing well during the midpoint evaluation discussion

  • Offers the opportunity to adjust goals and guides the rest of the rotation

Preceptors and learners have challenges during a rotation. However, I believe that with the right direction and motivation, each rotation can be a huge steppingstone in the life of the student pharmacist and rewarding for the preceptor.