Teacher socialization: implications for the design and management of initial teacher education programmes

Describes the training model employed to train trainers for the UK‐based ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) programme. A questionnaire evaluation of the course reveals the effectiveness of the training model when compared to other training provision in postgraduate medical education. The course is seen to be very effective in raising the confidence of instructors who have little previous training in instructional methods. Identifies and discusses the successful characteristics of the course which include a high tutor:student ratio, extensive use of interactive learning strategies, continuous assessment, a focus on problem‐based learning and the use of self and peer group critiquing strategies.