Teaching osteopathic students technique; using research to identify good teaching practice

Higher education is a constantly changing learning environment where academic tutors utilise modern technology and developments in educational theory to enhance their lecture presentations while students are encouraged to use web based programmes to contribute to learning forums, communicate with lecturers and access lecture notes and course documentation. In contrast the teaching of osteopathic technique appears to be unchanging with little development or alteration to the tried and tested teaching methods. This commentary briefly discusses theories of learning that could underpin this teaching method and by focussing upon the recent research into the learning of motor skills recommends some practical applications that may add variety to the format, enhance the student experience and potentially raise the standards of osteopathic technique in new graduates. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.