Approaches and Conceptions of Learning in Physiotherapy Mrs. L. Keiller Division of Physiotherapy & Dr. AJN. Louw Centre for health sciences education SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Introduction A 4 year degree First 2 years lecture-based pedagogy The 3 rd year: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) pedagogy SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Background New curriculum in 2007 PBL as a bridge between theory and clinical work. Aim to promote self-directed learning SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

PBL in Physiotherapy Staff facilitators 3 day cases Students: - own outcomes - source own information - provide feedback - assessed theoretically & practically Staff: - ensures that outcomes are met - leads a practical session SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Advantages of PBL Clinical reasoning Self-directed learning Collaborative leaders SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Disadvantages of PBL Levels of responsibility Transfer of knowledge Group dynamics SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Approaches to learning Deep Approach to Learning: Studying for meaning Linked to an increase in clinical reasoning skills. SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Surface Approach to Learning: Students study to remember disjointed facts, or lists of information. Strategic Approach to Learning: Students study in order to achieve high grades SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Conceptions of learning Conceptions of learning refer to the way students think about a specific environment. Differs from perceptions. SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Research Third year class (2010) R-SPQ-2F Questionnaire Two time points Focus group interviews Mixed method analysis SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Results Greater number of students who adopted a deep approach toward learning. A trend toward an increase in their intrinsic interest in the learning material. Students conception was that the module has an effect on learning in 5 distinct categories. SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Conceptions of Learning in Applied Physiotherapy (APT) SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University APT has negative qualities APT has positive qualities APT has an effect on skills Learning occurs in different ways in APT APT has an effect on approach toward learning

SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University Approach toward learning o "I can put things into perspective now...I'm adapting what I know to specific cases" o " Ek voel dit is 'n ander tipe leer, want jy moet self bepaal hoeveel jy moet leer." Learning occurs in different ways o " I do learn, I'm forced to work through the work and make it more applicable and not that it's just something in a book, it's like we do have this picture of this person in this case." o "Ek dink....as jy nogal saam praat met die hele terugvoer sessie die help ook...dit help nogal om ander mense se perspektiewe defnitief te kry, as jy nou in die hospitaal is of jy is met 'n pasient met so 'n tipe ding dan kan jy dink, oh maar daai keer het (name) dit ges ệ of (name) dit ges ệ."

SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University Effect on skills o "Jy begin nou al kliniese beredinering te gebruik." o "I think the thing that's very different is the personalities that are within it and I think...."[different respondent in the same discussion] " want as fisio moet jy kan gaan en kan met enige personlikheid moet kan werk" Positive qualities o "Jy't klaar deur gegaan, jy't dit klaar gebrainstorm saam met mense en jy het klaar 'n bietjie ondervinding voordat jy kan swot daaraan." o "I thint it's actually better because you can't teach the base knowledge that we have in PBL, but the application thereof can be taught in PBL." Negative qualities o "Dit is 'n mens is meer onseker oor kwaliteit as in FTW." o "It's too much work and too little time."

Recommendations Longitudinal study PBL –R-SPQ Address negative aspects Investigate reasons for lack of significance Maintain and improve positives Provide more support and guidance SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Conclusion The Applied Physiotherapy 373 module had an effect on the students approach to learning The results of this study are inconclusive on why and how this effect is present. Further research is needed to determine long-term changes and the possible determinants of these changes. Changes to the module are currently being researched. A never-ending process = facilitating learning SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

Thank you 3 rd Year Physiotherapy class Dr. Alwyn Louw – study supervisor Dr. Gerald du Preez – editor Mrs. Dawn Ernstzen – editor Dr. Martin Kidd - statistician SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University