Journal of

Background and Aim: In order to develop teaching competencies and prepare PhD candidates for future roles as faculty members of medical schools, the present study conducted to determine PhD candidates` educational needs and their skills concerning teaching competencies.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive- analytical and cross-sectional study that was conducted in year 2011. The Study population was PhD candidates who studied in Health School of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In the present study a “Teaching Competencies Assessment” questionnaire was used that included 2 part s the demographic information and 16- items of educational competencies and needs. The validity and reliability of th e questionnaire was approved by alpha Cronbach’s coefficient (educational need 94% & educational skill 87%). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS.

Results: The result of the present study showed that teaching skills of PhD candidates were at “familiar without implementation capability” level. The lowest candidate s` skill was “Student Assessment” field. The candidates had educational needs in all 16 areas of teaching skill fields (3.85:5). “Lecture Presentation” (4.1:5), “logical structure of Presentation” (4.02:5) and “Motivating methods” (4.01:5) fields were the highest educational needs of PhD candidates.

Conclusion: The results of the present study confirmed the need for systematic planning in order to develop teaching competencies and prepare PhD candidates for teaching role in future.