Thembekile Masango
University of South Africa, South Africa
Title: Experiential learning for health sciences education student: An opening distance learning (ODL)context
Biography
Biography: Thembekile Masango
Abstract
Purpose: To explore and describe the lived experiences of student teachers currently registered for the Bachelor of Curationis (BCUR) studying in an ODL university. The degree comprises nursing education and management and the students had attended the teaching practice workshop, a component of nursing education programme.
Method and design: An explorative, descriptive, interpretative and qualitative design was conducted to explore student teachers experiences of the teaching practice workshop they have attended. Purposive sampling which is based on the belief that the researcher’s knowledge about the population can be used to hand pick sample elements was used. Students who were willing to participate were requested to sign the consent form. Data was collected through written narratives and a Collaiz’s method of data analysis was followed.
Results: The majority of the students indicated that the workshop period of five days is too short compromising face to face learning and makes teaching and learning to take place under duress. They also expressed fear of the unknown and anxiety as they had never taught before. Others felt it was real experience situation, where they practiced peer assessment and had an opportunity of socializing with fellow students.
Conclusions: Student teachers indicated that the one day orientation done beginning of the year should be extended to five days to facilitate maximum guidance by lecturers and to ensure proper preparation of lesson plans. This should be followed by another five days for the teaching practice workshop. Audio visual teachings and recording was suggested as a form of assessment. Use of latest technology such as power point presentation should be used instead of overhead projectors and posters