Approaches and Conceptions of Learning in Physiotherapy

1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

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15. Conceptions of Learning in Applied Physiotherapy (APT) SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University

16. SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University • Approach toward learning • "I can put things into perspective now...I'm adapting what I know to specific cases" • " Ekvoeldit is 'n andertipe leer, want jymoet self bepaalhoeveeljymoet leer." • Learning occurs in different ways • " 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." • "Ek dink....as jynogalsaampraat met die heleterugvoersessie die help ook...dit help nogalomandermense se perspektiewedefnitieftekry, as jynou in die hospitaal is of jy is met 'n pasient met so 'n tipe ding dankanjy dink, oh maar daaikeer het (name) ditgesệ of (name) ditgesệ."

17. SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University • Effect on skills • "Jy begin nou al klinieseberedineringtegebruik." • "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 fisiomoetjykangaan en kan met enigepersonlikheidmoetkanwerk" • Positive qualities • "Jy'tklaardeurgegaan, jy'tditklaargebrainstormsaam met mense en jy het klaar 'n bietjieondervindingvoordatjykanswotdaaraan." • "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 • "Dit is 'n mens is meeronsekeroorkwaliteit as in FTW." • "It's too much work and too little time."

18. 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

19. 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

20. Thank you • 3rd Year Physiotherapy class - 2010 • Dr. Alwyn Louw – study supervisor • Dr. Gerald du Preez – editor • Mrs. Dawn Ernstzen – editor • Dr. Martin Kidd - statistician SOTL Conference 2011 ~ Stellenbosch University