'Students Are Part of Our Team and They're Part of Our Workforce': The Role of Student Partnerships in Collaborative Physiotherapy Practice-Based Education

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Bibliographic Details
Title: 'Students Are Part of Our Team and They're Part of Our Workforce': The Role of Student Partnerships in Collaborative Physiotherapy Practice-Based Education
Language: English
Authors: Deborah A. O’Connor, Ryan G. Wilkinson, Claire H. Hamshire
Source: International Journal for Students as Partners. 2025 9(1):109-127.
Availability: McMaster University Library Press. McMaster University Library, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S $L6 Canada. e-mail: scom@mcmaster.ca; Web site: https://mulpress.mcmaster.ca/ijsap
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Student Participation, Partnerships in Education, Allied Health Occupations Education, Physical Therapy, Teacher Attitudes, Teamwork, Undergraduate Students, Foreign Countries, Experiential Learning
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
Abstract: Developing collaborative educational spaces is vital for students to be active participants within their own learning; however, there is limited research on the impact of constraints and cultures in developing active partnerships with students in healthcare settings. This paper reports on selected findings from an overarching mixed-methods study exploring UK physiotherapy practice educators' experiences. The aim of the study was to explore practice educators' perceptions and experiences of supporting students and considerations for future developments. An initial survey generated themes for unstructured focus groups. Fifteen practice educators participated in the focus groups. Three themes were identified around developing student partnerships: staff values in practice education, the importance of integrating students into teams, and learning from students. Partnership working and collaboration within the practice environment provides a space for mutual growth for educators and students. Partnership can facilitate successful outcomes for both staff and students through a reciprocal learning experience.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1476846
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Developing collaborative educational spaces is vital for students to be active participants within their own learning; however, there is limited research on the impact of constraints and cultures in developing active partnerships with students in healthcare settings. This paper reports on selected findings from an overarching mixed-methods study exploring UK physiotherapy practice educators' experiences. The aim of the study was to explore practice educators' perceptions and experiences of supporting students and considerations for future developments. An initial survey generated themes for unstructured focus groups. Fifteen practice educators participated in the focus groups. Three themes were identified around developing student partnerships: staff values in practice education, the importance of integrating students into teams, and learning from students. Partnership working and collaboration within the practice environment provides a space for mutual growth for educators and students. Partnership can facilitate successful outcomes for both staff and students through a reciprocal learning experience.