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preceptor

preceptor

1 8.8
A teacher who guides students at a university or in practical work
  • noun
  • /prɪˈsɛptər/
translation icon : preceptor
  • Each student was assigned a preceptor who guided them through their practical training.
  • a dedicated preceptor
  • a faculty preceptor
  • preceptors to students

Examples

  • The preceptor provided valuable feedback to the students during their clinical rotations.

  • For example, medical faculty or preceptors are legally and professionally responsible for the treatment a medical resident provides.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The less experienced resident may be asked to step aside, with the preceptor taking charge of the situation.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The use of one preceptor ensured that correct methods and techniques would be taught consistently.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Another equally important objective for the preceptor was to socially integrate the new nurses into the culture of the unit.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Likewise, graduate and professional students could serve as preceptors to students.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The TNs' progress was tracked by the preceptor and clinical coordinator each week.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The nurses appeared to value the organizational support of this role as mentor or preceptor.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Students worked collaboratively in groups with hospital staff performance improvement preceptors and a course faculty member.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The authors stated that relationships with preceptors prepared students for the realities of the profession.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

teacher
vspreceptor
1.0

A person who gives lessons to students in a school or college

often supervises student practical training in colleges rather than general classroom teaching
instructor
vspreceptor
221 2.9

A person who teaches a subject or skill in a class

emphasizes supervision of students in practice settings rather than general instruction
educator
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164 3.0

A person who teaches or helps others learn, often at school

more specifically supervises students in practical college settings instead of broad education roles
tutor
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99 1.8

A person who teaches one student or a small group privately

typically supervises students in formal or practical training rather than private coaching
lecturer
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42 3.1

A person who gives talks to students at a college or university

focuses more on supervising students in practical settings rather than lecturing
faculty member
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40 3.5

A teacher or researcher who works at a university

usually emphasizes direct student supervision and practical training within courses
don
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  • UK
3 7.9

A teacher at a university, especially at Oxford or Cambridge

is more about supervising students in practical placements than college fellowship duties
pedagogue
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  • Formal
3 8.2

A teacher who teaches children and young people, often strict or formal

is used for supervising students in colleges and practical placements rather than child teaching
section instructor
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  • US
4.0

A teacher who leads a part of a college course, like a lab or discussion group

supervises students in practical or clinical settings rather than only teaching a subgroup
section teacher
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  • US
4.4

A person who leads a small class inside a large college course

focuses on supervising practical student work rather than only leading small groups
pedagog
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8.7

A teacher who helps children or young people learn

applies specifically to supervising students in higher education and practical training rather than child education

Surface Forms

preceptor singular
preceptors plural

Morphology

preceptor = precept (semi-transparent) = precept + or

The word is historically related to 'precept' plus the agentive suffix '-or', but the modern sense 'teacher or instructor' is not fully predictable from the base alone.

Etymology

The word preceptor comes from Latin parts pre- 'before' and -cept-, from a verb meaning 'to take', the same root as in accept and capture. So a preceptor is someone who 'takes' or leads students before others, which is why it means a teacher or supervisor.