Integrated Clinical and Academic Learning

Developed by: Libby Gass, Norman Morris and Megan Dalton
University: Griffith University

Teaching and learning strategy:

Clinical Units are integrated into an academic course (subject) throughout the physiotherapy program. Prior to and following each clinical placement students discuss their clinical experiences with the supervisor of clinical education, the course convenor (following clinical unit) and a psychologist (following clinical unit).

In what course/ subject/ unit/ module/ program is the teaching and learning practice used?

Clinical Units are embedded in academic courses. Students need to satisfactorily complete both the academic and the clinical components of the course.

In what year level are the students who participate in the teaching/ learning practice?

Clinical units are undertaken across all semesters of the 2 year graduate entry Master of Physiotherapy Program and in the final 3 years of 5 year Bachelor of Physiotherapy/Bachelor of Exercise Science Program.

Expected learning outcomes from the teaching and learning practice.

Prior to undertaking clinical placements, students complete coursework relevant to the upcoming clinical placement. Typically, students complete a viva/practical exam prior to undertaking the clinical placement. Moreover students meet with the Clinical Education Coordinator to discuss the expected experiential learning outcomes of the clinical placement. The expected outcomes of this teaching and learning practice are a better overall preparation and 'theoretical' preparation of the student for clinical placement.

At the completion of the clinical placement block (either one four-week or one eight-week block) students meet again for a debriefing session. Students are able to comment about similarities /differences of individual clinical experiences and discuss and relevant issues that may have arisen during the clinical placement thereby creating a shared learning environment.

Briefly describe how you have evaluated this practice.

Surveys of clinical educators.

What were the outcomes of the evaluation?

Qualitative and quantitative analysis suggests that clinical educators are happy with level of preparation of the students for clinical practice.

Do you have any plans to make changes to the teaching and learning practice?

No changes are expected.

Contact details

Name: Norm Morris
Address: School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science
Griffith University - Gold Coast Campus
PMB 50 Gold Coast Mail Centre Q 9726
URL: http://gu.edu.au/school/pes/home.html