Using Assessment Centers to Promote Clinical Faculty Development

Development of a cadre of practitioners who can effectively guide the clinical learning of entry-level students is an essential concern for the physical therapy profession. Current systems for clinical faculty development are not systematic and rarely incorporate formal assessment of teaching abilities. This article describes a unique approach for assessing the knowledge and skills of clinical faculty. The approach facilitates individual analysis of teaching behaviors and promotes planning for further training or study to enhance existing ability. Reliance on self-assessment is emphasized as a responsibility for professional development.