Students Learning in a Skills Laboratory

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to gain knowledge about students’ learning in a skills laboratory. Method: All students in the bachelor programme were invited to participate, and they received a written form with five open research questions. The students were asked to freely express their own thoughts and opinions of their learning in the skills laboratory. The average response was 87%. The data was viewed as a unified text from each year in the curriculum. A content analysis was used. Results: A feeling of security is a prerequisite for the learning process. Learning occurs through: an interactive teamwork and is influenced by a shared, practical environment; training of practical skills; a sensing/kinaesthetic involvement; having a ‘modern-minded’ master teacher at one’s side. Discussion: Learning is a complex non-linear process comprising many different factors. There seems to be a close link between knowing and being able to. Conclusion: Learning takes place when thoughts, feelings, behaviour, actions and reactions are altered as result of experience and active teamwork. Learning must be understood as a change in previous competency through learning or relearning in a dynamic non-threatening environment.