A practice placement design facilitating occupational therapy students' learning
Journal article, Peer reviewed
“ n o t i c e: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in journal of mental health training, education and practice. changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. a definitive version was subsequently published in journal of mental health training, education and practice, 8 (4). http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ j m h t e p-08-2012-0028”
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2013Metadata
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Original version
Bonsaksen, T., Granå, K. E., Celo, C., Ellingham, B., & Myraunet, I. (2013). A practice placement design facilitating occupational therapy students’ learning. Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, The, 8(4), 169-180. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-08-2012-0028Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe an addition to the practice placement design for occupational therapy students in Oslo, and to report on the learning experiences related to this modified practice placement design among the participants.
Design/methodology/approach – Occupational therapy students and practice educators were interviewed in focus groups after having participated in an exploration of the utility of the Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills during mental health placement. Thematic analysis was applied to the data material.
Findings – Four themes emerged relating to the students’ learning experiences during practice placement. They were theory-practice integration; the role of supervision; self-awareness of communication; and socialization to the therapist role.
Practical implications – The practice placement design addition presented in this paper was well received by students and practice educators. It contributed to students’ focussed experience and to their active participation within a community of practice. The program appears to be one way of organizing placement with a potential for making a substantial contribution to occupational therapy students’ learning.
Originality/value – The study adds to the existing literature in providing an example of a successful addition to the practice placement design, and in the detailed account of the learning experiences among the participants.