Table 4 Residents’ Preferences with regard to the cognitive apprenticeship teaching methods. Main themes according to level of training

Supports skills acquisition by using Modelling

Support growing independent practice by using Coaching

Fix gaps in competence development by using exploration

“…because at this point rather than learning the theory stuff what I want is to acquire clinical abilities and skills when approaching the patients” (Junior Resident #26).

“I think this is the most important one, because it allows me to perform the clinical activities independently whilst receiving supervision and feedback in order to improve the abilities step by step.” (Intermediate Resident #3)

“In this moment my training is almost complete and I think about what am I lacking to face a competitive working market” (Senior Resident # 75).

Overcoming deficiencies by using Coaching

Help expand knowledge base and engage in dialogue with supervisor by using Articulation

Help expand knowledge base and engage in dialogue with supervisor by using articulation

“I think that in this stage of training it would help me to have more feedback with regard to the quality, pertinence and rationally of my actions” (Resident (Junior) #34)

“Laying the foundations of my actions and exploring my strengths and weaknesses allow me to develop and improve my clinical criterion and my decision-making skills” (Resident (Intermediate) #22)

“In this year I think that one already has enough knowledge and training to show what do you know and what you don’t.” (Senior Resident #24)

“At this level of academic training, initial phase, I will be better helped by permanent feedback in order to fix the fails and to strengthen the right choices…” ( Junior Resident #71)

“Because I consider that it motivates you to make your own decisions and it makes you feel important in the patient care” (Intermediate Resident #65)

“It allow us not only to answer questions but also to formulate them” (Senior Resident #54)

Encourage participation by creating a Safe Learning Environment

Gain confidence in own performance by not be coerced using a Safe learning environment

“ I think that the supervisor-trainee relationship is very important. If the supervisor creates an environment of trust and respect, it is possible to loose a little bit that formality and rigidity a teacher has and one can ask questions, formulate doubts and even have more security as a student..” (Junior Resident #80)

“…this is the moment to give confidence and respect (to the resident) in terms of what has been taught and modeled, this can only be reflected in a safe learning environment that not coerce our free performance.” (Senior Resident #18)