Summary

In this conversation, Anna MacLeod discusses her relationship with ethnography, particularly in the context of medical education. She explains how ethnography allows for a deep understanding of culture and people, emphasizing the importance of observation and the role of problem-based learning. The discussion also covers the application of ethnographic methods in various areas of health professions education, including professional identity formation and curriculum reform. MacLeod encourages researchers to consider their informal ethnographic experiences and how they can formalize these insights into their work.

Takeaways

• Ethnography is a method that allows for deep cultural understanding.
• Observation is a critical component of ethnographic research.
• Problem-based learning is not just about effectiveness but understanding its pedagogical implications.
• Cultural artifacts, like documents, provide valuable insights in ethnography.
• Ethnography can reveal discrepancies between what people say and what they do.
• The context of learning environments significantly impacts educational practices.
• Ethnographic methods can be applied to various areas in health professions education.
• Professional identity formation can be explored through ethnographic approaches.
• Curriculum reform can benefit from ethnographic insights into educational practices.
• Researchers should recognize their informal ethnographic experiences as valuable data.

Quotes

"Understanding clinical culture is crucial."

"Ethnography can inform curriculum reform."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethnography

02:32 Understanding Problem-Based Learning

06:08 The Role of Observation in Ethnography

12:14 Ethnography in Health Professions Education

16:25 Professional Identity Formation and Ethnography

18:06 Getting Started with Ethnography

23:01 Ethnography's Role in Curriculum Reform