A specific educational technique of observation and discussion of a brief diagnostic interview is of special value for the teaching, learning, and assessment of a group of skills central to the professional development of the young psychiatrist. With this method, observational and integrative skills as well as diagnostic activity can be assessed and demonstrated by the teacher in a format that stimulates the "learning alliance" and the resident's development of self-critical functions. Observations of frequent problems in the resident's work are presented, the residents' response to this method is described, and various aspects of the format discussed.