Experiential placements and scaffolding for reflection

Title
Experiential placements and scaffolding for reflection
Publication Date
2009
Author(s)
Owen, Susanne M
Stupans, Ieva
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1111/j.1473-6861.2009.00220.x
UNE publication id
une:9156
Abstract
Reflection is a cognitive process for organizing ideas and building theory from observations and experiences. Learning within work-integrated and clinical placements is increasingly required for professional accreditation approval of allied health and other university programmes. Through clinical placements students can develop the knowledge and the practical skills and personal attributes needed for entry into their professions. Relevant to communities of practice, in experiential placements learners actively build on their own life experiences within realistic work-oriented contexts. Supervising practitioner feedback and guidance potentially accelerate the learning through a process of feedback and skilful questioning to encourage deep reflection. However, there has been little research into the role of reflection within experiential placements, particularly with respect to the preparation of students for the Australian pharmacy profession. A 2007 Australian Learning and Teaching Council-funded research study was conducted regarding pharmacy experiential placements. The purpose was to map Australian university programmes, analyse handbooks and also consult with about 250 stakeholders from a range of backgrounds in relation to issues and quality indicators. This paper focuses on reflection as one aspect of the Australian pharmacy experiential placement research. It highlights the importance of more comprehensively planned approaches to learning and reflection within experiential placements. This includes university and clinical educator scaffolding and feedback at the pre-placement, during placement and post-placement stages.
Link
Citation
Learning in Health and Social Care, 8(4), p. 272-281
ISSN
1473-6861
1473-6853
Start page
272
End page
281

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