An Exploration of Emotions, the More Competent Other, and Learning Among First Year Surgical Trainees

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 7:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Growing Together: Social, Emotional, and Collaborative Learning

Abstract

In this study, we conceptualize emotions as indices of internal experiences and interactions with more competent others within a community of practice representative of learning that leads to development. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine first-year surgical trainees (F = 4). Then, we used deductive, theory-based coding and the zone of proximal development as the unit of analysis to examine the ways participants used emotional language and referred to supportive others to describe experiential spaces in which learning could occur. We present three scenarios as exemplars and retell participants’ stories in terms of learning within a zone of proximal development. Finally, we present conclusions and potential applications for the creation of curricula within medical education.

Authors

• Rebekah Pollock, Georgia State University

• Jonathan D. Pollock, Emory University

• J. Luke Galloway, Emory University

• Johanna M. Hinman, Emory University

• Margaret Kennedy, Emory University

• Jahnavi K. Srinivasan, Emory University