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AMEE 2015

  • Jette Henriksen (Paricipant)

Activity: Participating in or organising an event typesConference

Description

Posterpræsentation:
Characteristics of workplace-based learning acrosshigher science education:

Abstract:
Background:
Workplace-based learning is a traditional part of health sciences educations and we find a rich literature on some of the core features. However, a number of questions remain and we contribute by exploring the characteristics of the learning activities at workplaces and students’ and supervisors’ roles during clerkships across educations.

Summary of work:
We performed a short-term ethnographic study in medicine, nursing and sports science. Data was collected during nine days observing skills training and twelve days observing students at six different workplaces followed by in depth interviews with twelve students and nine supervisors. Data were analyzed narratively using Positioning Theory as frame.

Summary of results:
We constructed six typical narratives that illuminate four main themes: 1) having fun - being serious, 2) trying - mastering, 3) getting support - feeling independent, and 4) student - professional identity. The learning activities across the workplaces were characterized by seriousness and a shift to a more professional role.

Conclusions:
The likeness apart, we wonder about the considerable differences found across the three educations concerning supervisors’ roles and expectations of students’ ability to master competences, as well as the differences in opportunities for independent learning activities at the workplaces. This might be rooted in the different traditions underpinning workplace-based learning.

Take-home message:
The shift to seriousness and balancing between the student role and a professional identity in clerkships probably has great significance for learning. To fully understand the learning activities and roles in workplace-based learning, we suggest that further comparison of workplace learning activities in higher health sciences educations could be worthwhile.




Mundtlig Posterpræsentation
Period7 Sept 2015
Event typeConference
LocationGlasgow, United KingdomShow on map