Program Elements and Tools

Elements:

• Experiential learning (rather than conventional classroom learning)
• Clinical context (acute care) and community-based CPE (clinics, continuing care, and treatment centers).
• Peer-group context for giving and receiving feedback (minimum of three and not more than seven students)
• The human condition as textbook; sometimes referred to as the “living human document”
• Self-directed, “adult learning”; students develop their own learning goals/contract
• Reflective practice; students use the clinical method of learning. They act, reflect, and retool their approach.

Tools:

• Didactic: content experts from the clinical/community settings present on various topics related to pastoral care
• Plenary sessions: topics are handled in large group settings; i.e. special hospital training and/or grand round-type presentations
• Empathy Lab: exploring in-the-moment feelings, group dynamic, and relationship
• Worship Swap (inter-religious hosting/attending of one another’s services/ceremonies)
• Role-playing and simulated scenarios
• Patient point-of-view (or sensitivity) exercises
• Cross-discipline shadowing of other departments (house-keeping, administration, nursing, medical residents).
• Joint visits with supervisor and other chaplains
• Weekly process reflections and one-to-one supervisory sessions
• Written assignments on theology, culture, book reviews, and film critiques
• Verbatim: a written account and analysis of actual cases/visits
• Mid-unit and final self-evaluations