Submitted by Marianna Shershneva on
Haas AJ, Blackall GF, Osei-Bonsu W, Wu EY, Costigan H, Stuckey HL.What really matters: A qualitative study of student perspectives on exceptional teaching. Acad Med. 2025. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006172. [Online ahead of print.]
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to identify characteristics that define exceptional teachers and provide recommendations for teaching in medical education. Method: A total of 3,409 student narratives that described characteristics of exceptional teachers were curated from August 2017 to January 2022 at Penn State College of Medicine. Narratives were submitted voluntarily in response to a single, open-ended question: "Please tell us about what those teachers did that resulted in an exceptional educational experience and how it changed you?" Narrative lengths varied, with a mean (SD) of 78.4 (58.0) words (range, 2-776). A systematically selected subset (n = 872) was analyzed using an inductive approach. After codebook development, 3 independent coders analyzed data (pooled Cohen κ = 0.77), organizing codes into themes and subthemes. Results: Three key themes (8 subthemes) were identified: (1) challenging and practical learning opportunities were embraced by students as a source of growth (being challenged with progressive complexity while simultaneously feeling supported, making the most of natural learning opportunities, and growing from judicious, actionable, and frequent feedback); (2) being included and valued as part of the team encouraged learners to contribute, to exercise autonomy, and to work alongside others as a colleague (being accepted and integrated as part of the team, receiving guided autonomy in interactions and responsibilities with patient care, and feeling respected as a teammate and future colleague); and (3) demonstrating enthusiasm for teaching and patient care, combined with a humanistic approach to role modeling, was inspirational to students (witnessing passion for teaching and caring for students and drawing inspiration from authentic role-modeling). Conclusions: The study findings support 5 recommendations: (1) challenge students while maintaining psychological safety, (2) provide feedback that is frequent and specific, (3) give autonomy for growth, (4) make them part of the team, and (5) cultivate the trainee-to-teacher relationship.
Questions
- What problem or gap in medical education does this study address, and why is it significant for clinical teaching?
- Which findings resonate most with your own experiences as a clinical teacher, and which feel less applicable in your context?
- How might the study’s results inform faculty development programs at our institution?

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Forward
Comments
Walter Baker replied on Permalink
This article discussion
This article discussion highlights important insights into what students value in exceptional teaching—especially the balance of challenge, support, meaningful feedback, and feeling genuinely included as part of the learning process. The recommendations for fostering psychological safety, autonomy, and strong teacher-student relationships are especially relevant for improving clinical teaching practices.
snow rider
Walter Baker replied on
William Boyer replied on Permalink
1. Problem or Gap
1. Problem or Gap Addressed
This study addresses a longstanding gap in medical education: although we often recognize “great teachers,” we rarely define in a systematic, learner-informed way what makes them exceptional. Clinical teaching is complex, fast-paced, and patient-centered, and faculty development often focuses more on content expertise than on relational and instructional qualities.
William Boyer replied on
William Boyer replied on Permalink
2. Findings That Resonate (or
2. Findings That Resonate (or Less So)
The theme of challenging learners while maintaining psychological safety strongly resonates with my experience. Learners grow most when expectations are high but support is visible for escape road. Progressive complexity paired with constructive feedback mirrors what we know about scaffolding in adult learning theory.
The emphasis on guided autonomy also aligns with clinical reality — learners need graduated responsibility to develop competence and confidence.
William Boyer replied on
cakorib cakorib replied on Permalink
i appreciate how this paper
i appreciate how this paper turns “great teaching” into concrete behaviors students actually notice: progressive challenge with real psychological safety, frequent actionable feedback, and being treated as a teammate. the “guided autonomy” point lands for me, because learners can’t develop judgment if they’re only observing, yet dumping responsibility without support backfires. our faculty development could focus less on generic “feedback skills” and more on micro-habits on rounds: ask one question that scales up, give one specific next step, and explicitly invite the student into the plan. small gripe: our discussion board keeps getting weird off-topic posts; i’ve even seen stray links such as https://lightningstormgame.org/ https://livedragontiger.org/ and https://powerup-roulette.com/ showing up, which makes it harder to keep the teaching conversation focused.
cakorib cakorib replied on
Lamberta Muller replied on Permalink
This is a fascinating study!
This is a fascinating study! The themes really resonate with my own experiences. It's so important for medical educators to cultivate an environment where students feel challenged but supported. It reminds me of how powerful it can be to experiment and learn from mistakes, almost like the freedom you get when you play <!-- x-tinymce/html -->Solar Smash – you can try things out and see the consequences in a safe space. Providing autonomy and demonstrating genuine enthusiasm are definitely key to inspiring the next generation of doctors.
Lamberta Muller replied on
nyt hints replied on Permalink
This research on exceptional
This research on exceptional teachers in medical education is invaluable! The findings provide clear, actionable insights that can transform teaching practices. The themes of challenge, inclusion, and inspiration offer pips game a comprehensive framework for fostering meaningful educational experiences. Well done to the researchers for capturing the essence of exceptional teaching!
nyt hints replied on
Claire Woods replied on Permalink
Practical feedback loops
This discussion was helpful, especially the point about balancing challenge with psychological safety and timely feedback. I often think about similar feedback loops when reviewing creative work; pips2 helps with quick AI image and video iteration: pips2
Claire Woods replied on
Lewis Fry replied on Permalink
This is so relevant to how
This is so relevant to how Fnaf content creators often thrive! The ones who challenge their audience with new theories, give frequent, specific insights, and foster a sense of community really stand out. It's cool how these teaching principles apply even to entertainment.
Lewis Fry replied on
Cooper Pendred replied on Permalink
This research offers
This research offers insightful characteristics of exceptional teachers, showcasing their profound impact. It makes me think how a good teacher, like a precise Love Tester truly understands and nurtures student potential, leading to remarkable growth and inspiration. These findings are incredibly valuable.
Cooper Pendred replied on
Benjamin Greenwood replied on Permalink
This study really hits home!
This study really hits home! The emphasis on practical learning and being part of the team are crucial. It reminds me of how important it is to not just teach, but to genuinely connect with students and make them feel valued. That Football Bros vibe where everyone supports each other, even during tough challenges, is exactly what inspires growth. Great insights for improving medical education!
Benjamin Greenwood replied on
Logan Mauger replied on Permalink
I really like how this study
I really like how this study highlights that great teachers challenge students while still making them feel safe and included. It reminds me a bit of how I’ve been playing Melon Playground lately—just messing around with crazy physics scenarios and enjoying total freedom to test ideas without pressure. That mix of challenge and support seems so important. How do you think teachers can best balance freedom with guidance?
Logan Mauger replied on
Michelle Austerlitz replied on Permalink
I recall a professor who
I recall a professor who transformed a dry statistics course. Instead of just formulas, we analyzed real-world public health data. He made it exciting, like trying to conquer the leaderboards in a game, maybe even Slither io with numbers. It challenged us, made learning practical, and forever shifted my perception of the subject.
Michelle Austerlitz replied on
Hannah Ju replied on Permalink
This was an insightful
This was an insightful discussion on what students value in exceptional teaching. Hearing learners' perspectives is a great way to improve educational experiences for everyone. It reminds me of 保存した画像を高画質にする方法 small improvements can make a big difference in bringing out the best details and overall quality.
Hannah Ju replied on
Daksh Singh replied on Permalink
Need Funds For Personal
Need Funds For Personal Expenses, Education, Travel, Or Emergencies? A Reliable Loan Option With Adaptable Repayment Terms Can Make Financial Planning Easier. You Can Consider Exploring A Personal Loan From Sbi For Trusted Banking Support And Convenient Borrowing Solutions, In One Place.
Daksh Singh replied on
Xavier Findlay replied on Permalink
This research really
This research really resonates with me. The systematic approach to identifying what makes teachers exceptional is invaluable for medical education. I appreciate how the study emphasizes psychological safety alongside challenge—it reminds me of advice my Granny once gave about learning: push yourself but know someone believes in you. The focus on autonomy, team inclusion, and authentic role-modeling creates a framework that goes beyond traditional teaching methods. These five recommendations should genuinely reshape how we approach mentoring future physicians.
Xavier Findlay replied on
Jack Alice replied on Permalink
The 5 recommendations are
The 5 recommendations are simple but impactful — making learners feel like valued team members changes everything in clinical education.
tier list maker
Jack Alice replied on
Zackie Joy replied on Permalink
Finding honest Indian movie
Finding honest Indian movie reviews in Hindi is actually rare these days. I discovered FilmyFly.in last year and it has become my daily source for Bollywood news and film ratings.
Zackie Joy replied on
steelheart1812 steelheart1812 replied on Permalink
Trying to complete your Godly
Trying to complete your Godly collection in Murder Mystery 2 trade servers is usually a nightmare with people constantly asking for massive overpays or spamming fake offers. I spent hours jumping between lobbies with zero luck, so I decided to check out where to find reliable mm2 items for sale directly. The automated bot trade sent the items straight to my account in under two minutes, saving me a ton of time and hassle.
steelheart1812 steelheart1812 replied on
Dylan Cape replied on Permalink
Great insights into what
Great insights into what makes exceptional teachers! This study really highlights the importance of engagement and growth in education. It's like navigating the world of Eaglercraft, where challenging yourself and collaborating with others are key to success. The recommendations are spot-on for fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Dylan Cape replied on
dsf Grace replied on Permalink
f
f
dsf Grace replied on
Cameron Stanley replied on Permalink
This study resonates with my
This study resonates with my experience as a learner. The teachers I remember most were not simply knowledgeable; they gave practical challenges, offered specific feedback, and treated students as future colleagues. I also found that learning improves when the environment feels welcoming rather than intimidating. Outside the classroom, I sometimes use the Fnaf platform as a relaxed way to practice attention, problem-solving, and persistence. It is not a replacement for structured teaching, but it can complement lessons by encouraging curiosity and independent thinking.
Cameron Stanley replied on
hosea matthew replied on Permalink
Greetings, fellow gamers! I
Greetings, fellow gamers! I was watching a late-night football stream when an advert popped up about finding the best slot sites. It piqued my curiosity since I had been looking for new places to try some slot machines. Navigating through the page, I noticed a comprehensive list of platforms available in Poland. I started reading the detailed reviews on https://casino-online.com.pl/ and was drawn to the sections about no-deposit free spins and loyalty programs. The comparisons were straightforward, making it easy to pick a site that fit my budget. I signed up, claimed a nice bonus, and enjoyed a solid evening of entertainment without any glitches. I am quite happy with the outcome.
hosea matthew replied on
Semenn joyyyyy replied on Permalink
<!--td {border: 1px solid
I was waiting for a rugby match to start and used the time to compare several online gaming clubs from my laptop. Some platforms had confusing menus, while NeonVegas Casino made it fairly simple to locate slots, table games and account settings. NZ users should confirm whether their preferred deposit option is supported and how long identity verification may take before requesting a withdrawal.
Semenn joyyyyy replied on
Muskan Rathore replied on Permalink
Sometimes you just need good
Sometimes you just need good company after long meetings. I booked through Russian Escorts in Delhi and was pleasantly surprised by how natural everything felt. Great conversation, no awkward moments, and a really polished vibe. Definitely recommending this if you prefer something more refined.
Muskan Rathore replied on
Wave Rider replied on Permalink
Sharp rocks sit just beneath
Sharp rocks sit just beneath the surface and are easy to miss if you are not paying attention. Hitting one causes significant damage to your board and slows your momentum. Wave Rider rewards players who stay alert and scan ahead constantly.
Wave Rider replied on
yexra yexra replied on Permalink
Jacob & Co replica watches :
Jacob & Co replica watches : Wherever High Watchmaking Meets Bold Design
yexra yexra replied on
yexra yexra replied on Permalink
Top 5 Iconic replica U-Boat
Top 5 Iconic replica U-Boat Classic Models Each and every Collector Should Know (2026 Guide)
While most luxury watch buyers gravitate towards mainstream Swiss sports watches, savvy collectors are progressively turning to U-Boat - the enduring Italian watch brand known for oversized cases, military traditions, left-sided crowns, and one of a kind industrial aesthetics. Founded through Italo Fontana and influenced by a forgotten 1942 Italian military watch prototype, U-Boat has built a loyal worldwide fanbase by prioritizing personality over trendiness. Unlike mass-produced luxury timepieces, every U-Boat model carries distinctive style language, functional military DNA, and limited-batch production worth. In this 2026 collector's manual, we break down the top five iconic U-Boat classic versions that define the brand's heritage and remain must-have items for niche watch fanatics.
yexra yexra replied on
yexra yexra replied on Permalink
replica U-Boat U-42 Diver -
replica U-Boat U-42 Diver - The actual Professional Military Dive Watch Classic
Built for underwater overall performance and military-grade toughness, typically the U-Boat U-42 is the brand's flagship professional dive view and a staple classic with regard to tool-watch collectors. While the Classico focuses on lifestyle wear, often the U-42 is engineered regarding extreme functionality, boasting a remarkable 300-meter water resistance, reinforced screw-down case back, high-grade lustrous dial markers, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
yexra yexra replied on
yexra yexra replied on Permalink
replica breitling endurance
replica breitling endurance pro watches
With regards to pushing the boundaries associated with luxury watch design, couple of brands command attention really like Jacob & Co. Recognized for their audacious style and innovative complications, Jacob & Co has carved a unique market in the world of haute horology. Through the shimmering dials of the 5 Time Zone collection to the substantial complexity of the Astronomia, every timepiece is a statement regarding individuality and engineering quality.
yexra yexra replied on
seoseo123 SEO replied on Permalink
clean property is not simply
clean property is not simply about making a room look better; it can also contribute to a more comfortable and hygienic environment for the people who live, work, or spend time there. Floors, carpets, furniture, curtains, mattresses, and other frequently used surfaces can gradually collect dust, dirt, spills, stains, allergens, and odours that are not <!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> manchester removed through routine cleaning.
seoseo123 SEO replied on