COMMUNICATING EXPECTATIONS ON PRACTICE EDUCATION: 'GENERATION Y' STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

Background: ‘Generation Y’ are those born between 1982- 2000. Practice educators have identified that ‘Generation Y’ students are posing challenges and opportunities in practice education (Hills et al, 2012). The aim... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
‘Generation Y’ are those born between 1982- 2000. Practice educators have identified that ‘Generation Y’ students are posing challenges and opportunities in practice education (Hills et al, 2012). The aim of this study was to identify ‘Generation Y’ occupational therapy students teaching and learning preferences in practice education.
Method:
Using a qualitative descriptive approach and purposive sampling, twenty two second and third year students from one Australian university completed semi structured interviews on their preferred teaching and learning approaches in practice education. Transcripts were analysed thematically.
Results:
One sub theme generated was ‘I want to develop so be clear about what you want me to achieve’. This theme had three subthemes: i) Set expectations together from day one ii) Setting expectations and the competency form iii) Setting expectations and the use of a learning contract.
Conclusion:
This generation are purported to be high achievers, who are goal focused and have high expectations of themselves (Twenge, 2009). Students in this study identified that they prefer practice educators who communicate from day one of placement, their expectations of student performance at the end of the placement. This enables students to plan and evaluate their progress towards these expected performances. Whether this desire for specificity is generational, situational or cultural is not known but it is informative to those involved in educating students in practice placements.
Application to Practice:
Students are important stakeholders in evaluating quality teaching and learning. Recommendations will be provided regarding the setting clear expectations for students on placement.