Optimizing surgical teaching through the lens of sociocultural learning theory

•We propose novel intraoperative teaching strategies: Assess Learner Needs, Inquire, Coach, Permit, Entrust, and Debrief.•These strategies address residents' learning needs in specific surgical tasks.•They are derived from sociocultural learning theories.•Hallmarks include cooperative problem-solving, permitting residents to struggle safely, and goal-directed debriefing.