Defining the Engaging Learning Experience from the Athletic Training Student Perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Sarah S. Benes
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context Clinical experiences are an integral part of athletic training education and are where students gain the hands-on, practical knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care in the field. However, some clinical education experiences may not allow athletic training students to become clinically integrated. Objective To explore athletic training students' perspectives on their clinical learning experiences, specifically as they relate to an engaging learning environment. Design Qualitative study. Setting Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredited undergraduate programs. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-one athletic training students (6 juniors; 15 seniors) with an average age of 22 years (20–23 years) from 4 National Athletic Trainers' Association districts volunteered to participate in our study. Data Collection and Analysis Participants responded to a series of open-ended questions by journaling their thoughts and opinions through the secure website QuestionPro. Data were analyzed using open coding that was guided by a general inductive procedure. Data credibility was established through peer review, interpretative member checks, and multiple analyst triangulation. Results Our cohort identified an engaging learning environment as one that allowed active learning and participation as an athletic trainer and included communication between the student and preceptor, patient interactions, and instructor feedback regarding development and application of skills and knowledge. Conclusions Athletic training students prefer a more active learning style and value observing their preceptor engage in patient care, but they also want the opportunity to practice their athletic training skills to gain competence and confidence.

Reflective Observation in the Clinical Education Setting: A Way to Promote Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Sarah S. Benes
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Observational Learning ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Learning Preferences ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context Clinical experiences help athletic training students gain real-time learning experiences by engaging in patient care. Observational learning has been identified as important to athletic training student development, yet little is known about its effectiveness. Objective To explore the athletic training students' perspectives on their experiences in the clinical education setting, particularly examining the effectiveness of observational learning. Design Qualitative study. Setting Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)-accredited undergraduate programs. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-four athletic training students (7 juniors and 17 seniors) from 4 National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) districts volunteered to participant in our study. The average age was 21 years (range, 20–23 years). Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants responded to a series of open-ended questions by journaling their thoughts and opinions through the secure Web site QuestionPro. Questions examined clinical education experiences and learning preferences. The resulting data were analyzed using a general inductive procedure, and credibility was established by employing peer review, member checks, and multiple analyst triangulation. Results Our analysis revealed that observational learning can benefit students when academic standing is considered, the circumstances are right, and it allows for directed mentoring. Our participants valued opportunities to engage in observational learning, as long as it was limited and purposeful. Conclusions All 24 participants identified themselves as hands-on learners who preferred to be actively engaged during their learning experiences, but who also valued opportunities to observe their preceptors demonstrating and modeling appropriate skills and behaviors before engaging in the same practices themselves. Today's student, the millennial, appears to favor visual learning, which may partially explain why our cohort of athletic training students described observational learning as advantageous in certain situations.

Learning Professionalism in Athletic Training Education

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie I. Craig
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Professional Behaviors ◽  
Approved Clinical Instructors ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Definition Of

Objective: Student learning of professionalism in athletic training education programs (ATEPs) can be varied and even elusive. The purpose of this article is to define professionalism and discuss its development in athletic training students. Background: Medical professions have studied extensively how students learn professionalism. However, with some studies reporting up to 90 different associated characteristics, no set definition of professionalism has been adopted. Students may learn professional behaviors in the classroom and the clinic. Research in medical education reports that a majority of this learning occurs in the clinical environment. Description: There are numerous ways to promote the learning of professionalism in athletic training students. After engaging each student personally in this pursuit, techniques such as communicating the mission and code of ethics of the National Athletic Trainers ' Association (NATA), clearly stating expectations the ATEP holds of students ' professional behavior, providing a variety of learning opportunities in different clinical settings, carefully selecting approved clinical instructors (ACIs), and using self-assessment and reflection are a few of the techniques recommended. The importance of the role of ACIs in the development of professional behaviors in athletic training students is stressed. Advantages: Without purposefully including the learning of professionalism in ATEP curriculums (the classroom and clinical experiences), students are at risk of not being prepared to represent and promote athletic training at the highest levels within the allied health professions.

scholarly journals The Use of Standardized Patients in Athletic Training Education

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Thomas G. Weidner
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Standardized Patients ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Standardized Patient ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
Standardized Patient Encounters

Context: Standardized patients are widely used in health care programs to both teach and evaluate the communication and clinical skills of students. Although athletic training education programs (ATEPs) commonly use simulations, little information exists related to the use and implementation of standardized patients (SPs). Objective: To provide strategies to use SPs with athletic training students and limited resources. Background: Standardized patient encounters differ from simulations. Simulations require students to perform clinical skills on a mock patient or athlete who has no training to consistently portray a particular injury or illness. SP encounters are consistent, carefully crafted portrayals of injuries or illnesses by trained individuals. Synthesis: A feasible way to use SPs in an ATEP is the time-in-time-out method which allows students to not only examine a SP, but also interact with and obtain immediate feedback from their instructor. Research with athletic training students has revealed that SP encounters are both realistic and worthwhile. Many resources exist to initiate the use of standardized patients in ATEPs, including various research publications, and online resources such as MedEd Portal and the Association of Standardized Patient Educators. Results: The use of SPs enhances learning opportunities for students and provides a format for real-time evaluation for instructors. Recommendation(s): Educators should consider using athletic training students and/or theater students to serve as SPs. Also, a local hospital or other SP programs at a local university may offer the use of their facilities or resources to initiate the use of SPs in your ATEP. Conclusion(s): Many resources are needed to implement the use of standardized patients into an ATEP, but the experience can be well worth the expense to provide a realistic and worthwhile learning experience for students.

scholarly journals Presence of Burnout in Undergraduate Athletic Training Students at One Western US University

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamra S. Riter ◽  
David A. Kaiser ◽  
J. Ty Hopkins ◽  
Todd R. Pennington ◽  
Ron Chamberlain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Gender Interaction ◽  
Western Us

Objective: Determine if undergraduate athletic training students enrolled in an accredited athletic training education program (ATEP) and participating in clinical assignments experience burnout. Design and Setting: Undergraduate athletic training students enrolled in a clinical education course were surveyed during the fourth and twelfth weeks of a 15 week semester. Participants answered eight demographic/status questions for correlation. Subjects: Fifty-one undergraduate athletic training students in a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited ATEP participated. Measurements: Data were analyzed using covariance analysis with categorical independent variables and continuous covariants. Emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) were scored in accordance with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Post hoc testing was done when interactions/effects were significant at p = .05. Dependent variables included EE, DP, and PA. Results: Overall mean scores demonstrated moderate levels of EE (17.0), low levels of DP (5.7), and moderate levels of PA (38.0). Fourth (+) semester students (students in their 4th or 5th semester of the ATEP) reported high DP levels (13.3) and high levels of EE (30.9). Semester effect (p = pre- 0.0001; post- 0.007) and semester by gender interaction (p = pre- 0.0017; post- 0.005) had an effect on EE for both testing times. For DP, semester (p = pre- 0.0001; post- 0.0003), and semester by gender interaction (p = pre- 0.0001; post- 0.0001) were significant interactions/effects for both testing periods. Conclusions: Undergraduate athletic training students demonstrated a moderate degree of burnout from their clinical assignments and associated responsibilities. The ATEP appeared to have a cumulative effect evidenced in the fourth (+) semester with a high/average degree of burnout.

scholarly journals Examining the Role Mentorship Plays in the Development of Athletic Training Preceptors

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Nottingham ◽  
Jessica L. Barrett ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
Athletic Training Educators ◽  
Ongoing Development ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context: Mentorship has been identified as a contributor to the socialization of athletic training preceptors. Understanding how mentorship occurs and contributes to preceptor development may help athletic training educators facilitate effective mentorship within their athletic training programs. Objective: Examine preceptors' perceptions of mentoring as part of their socialization into this role. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education programs. Patients or Other Participants: Twelve athletic trainers representing 4 National Athletic Trainers' Association districts, including 5 men and 7 women, average age = 32 ± 10.5 years, and average of 5 ± 5.0 years' experience as a preceptor. Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants responded to 14 interview questions regarding their perceptions of mentoring. Two researchers analyzed data using an inductive approach to identify themes and supporting categories. Trustworthiness was established by piloting the interview, using multiple analyst triangulation, and peer review. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) characteristics, (2) processes, (3) mentoring by emulating, and (4) roles of mentoring. Participants identified that communication and commitment are characteristics of effective mentorship. Preceptors learn to mentor by emulating other preceptors, and mentoring relationships develop through both formal and informal processes. Mentoring serves multiple roles for preceptors, including providing a support system and facilitating reciprocal learning for both mentors and protégés. Conclusions: Participants perceive mentoring as beneficial to their initial and ongoing development as preceptors. Preceptors learn to mentor by emulating current and past mentors, emphasizing the importance of modeling for both preceptors and students. Clinical education coordinators can facilitate the mentoring of preceptors by educating them on the benefits of engaging in it as well as connecting experienced preceptors with newer preceptors.

scholarly journals Frustrations Among Graduates of Athletic Training Education Programs

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context Although previous researchers have begun to identify sources of athletic training student stress, the specific reasons for student frustrations are not yet fully understood. It is important for athletic training administrators to understand sources of student frustration to provide a supportive learning environment. Objective To determine the factors that lead to feelings of frustration while completing a professional athletic training education program (ATEP). Design Qualitative study. Setting National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) accredited postprofessional education program. Patients or Other Participants Fourteen successful graduates (12 women, 2 men) of accredited professional undergraduate ATEPs enrolled in an NATA-accredited postprofessional education program. Data Collection and Analysis We conducted semistructured interviews and analyzed data with a grounded theory approach using open, axial, and selective coding procedures. We negotiated over the coding scheme and performed peer debriefings and member checks to ensure trustworthiness of the results. Results Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Athletic training student frustrations appear to stem from the amount of stress involved in completing an ATEP, leading to anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. (2) The interactions students have with classmates, faculty, and preceptors can also be a source of frustration for athletic training students. (3) Monotonous clinical experiences often left students feeling disengaged. (4) Students questioned entering the athletic training profession because of the fear of work-life balance problems and low compensation. Conclusions In order to reduce frustration, athletic training education programs should validate students' decisions to pursue athletic training and validate their contributions to the ATEP; provide clinical education experiences with graded autonomy; encourage positive personal interactions between students, faculty, and preceptors; and successfully model the benefits of a career in athletic training.

scholarly journals Perceived Levels of Frustration During Clinical Situations in Athletic Training Students

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Heinerichs ◽  
Neil Curtis ◽  
Alison Gardiner-Shires
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
Education Experience

Context: Athletic training students (ATSs) are involved in various situations during the clinical experience that may cause them to express levels of frustration. Understanding levels of frustration in ATSs is important because frustration can affect student learning, and the clinical experience is critical to their development as professionals. Objective:  To explore perceived levels of frustration in ATSs during clinical situations and to determine if those perceptions differ based on sex. Design:  Cross-sectional study with a survey instrument. Setting:  A total of 14 of 19 professional, undergraduate athletic training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education in Pennsylvania. Patients or Other Participants:  Of a possible 438 athletic training students, 318 (72.6%) completed the survey. Main Outcomes Measure(s):  The Athletic Training Student Frustration Inventory was developed and administered. The survey gathered demographic information and included 24 Likert-scale items centering on situations associated with the clinical experience. Descriptive statistics were computed on all items. The Mann-Whitney U was used to evaluate differences between male and female students. Results:  A higher level of frustration was perceived during the following clinical situations: lack of respect by student-athletes and coaching staffs, the demands of the clinical experience, inability of ATSs to perform or remember skills, and ATSs not having the opportunity to apply their skills daily. Higher levels of frustration were perceived in female than male ATSs in several areas. Conclusions:  Understanding student frustration during clinical situations is important to better appreciate the clinical education experience. Low levels of this emotion are expected; however, when higher levels exist, learning can be affected. Whereas we cannot eliminate student frustrations, athletic training programs and preceptors need to be aware of this emotion in order to create an environment that is more conducive to learning.

scholarly journals Evaluating Perceptions of Culminating Clinical Education Experiences of Senior Athletic Training Students

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Aronson ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Education Administrators

Context The perceptions of athletic training students (ATSs) regarding their clinical education experiences are not fully understood. It is important to investigate ATS perceptions of clinical education to allow athletic training educators to provide educational experiences that will maximize learning. Objective To determine what ATSs value during their clinical education experiences. Design Qualitative study. Setting Participants completed an electronic preceptor evaluation. Patients or Other Participants Nineteen (14 female, 5 male; average age = 22 ± 1 years) senior ATSs over 2 years enrolled in a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited athletic training program participated in our study. Participants came from 1 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited athletic training program in the Mid-Atlantic region. Data Collection and Analysis We asked seniors to evaluate their final clinical education experience by completing an open-ended questionnaire. We analyzed the data following the principles of grounded theory. We negotiated over the coding scheme until we reached full agreement, performed a peer review, and conducted member checks to ensure trustworthiness of the results. Results Three major themes emerged from the data. Athletic training students enjoy interacting with preceptors who act as appropriate professional role models. Our participants also found value in being able to develop their clinical skills with appropriate situational supervision. Finally, ATSs appreciate when preceptors teach them new information by stimulating their critical thinking skills. Conclusions To help provide positive learning environments for senior ATSs, athletic training education administrators should select preceptors who can successfully model professional responsibilities, present ATSs with authentic learning experiences, and promote higher-level thinking. We believe providing ATSs with exposure to preceptors who can meet these criteria may better prepare students for professional practice, alter persistence decisions, and should be a goal of clinical experiences for the benefit of ATSs.

scholarly journals Athletic Training Students' and Preceptors' Perceptions of Active Learning Time and Bug-In-Ear Technology During Clinical Education Experiences

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 216-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara L. Nottingham ◽  
Tricia M. Kasamatsu ◽  
Melissa M. Montgomery
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Learning Assessment ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Student Activities ◽  
Learning Time

Context: Engaging clinical experiences that allow extensive active learning and patient care interactions are important for the professional development of athletic training students. Understanding students' use of clinical time is important when attempting to improve these experiences. Objective: To gain participants' perspectives on active learning during clinical education both with and without the use of bug-in-ear technology. Design: Qualitative. Setting: Three high schools, 2 rehabilitation clinics, 1 university, and 1 community college clinical sites within 3 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited undergraduate athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen athletic training students (11 female, 2 male; 22 ± 2 years old, 2 ± 1 years enrolled in the current accredited athletic training program) and 8 preceptors (5 female, 3 male; 35 ± 10 years old, 3 ± 3 years of experience as a preceptor) volunteered for this study. Main Outcome Measure(s): After observation of the participants' clinical education experiences, individual in-person interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. We used an inductive process of open, axial, and selective coding to identify themes. Trustworthiness was established with member checking, multiple-analyst triangulation, and data source triangulation. Results: Three themes emerged from the data. Participants recognize that students spend much of their clinical time interacting with patients, completing administrative tasks, and doing custodial work. Participants noted their awareness of student activities increased after using the active learning assessment instrument. Lastly, participants perceived that bug-in-ear technology improved the efficiency of task completion but not the actual tasks completed. Conclusions: Since several factors influence the amount of active learning time spent during students' clinical education, athletic training programs may benefit from looking at their own students' time spent during clinical education. Asking students and preceptors to assess active learning time may help them and clinical education coordinators identify ways to increase active learning and decrease unengaged and managerial time.

scholarly journals Athletic Training Student Active Learning Time With and Without the Use of Bug-in-Ear Technology

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara L. Nottingham ◽  
Melissa M. Montgomery ◽  
Tricia M. Kasamatsu
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Principal Investigator ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Student Interactions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Learning Time

Context: Clinical education experiences that actively engage students in patient care are important to the development of competent clinicians. It is important to assess athletic training students' time spent clinically and explore new technology that may facilitate more active learning during clinical education. Objective: To assess athletic training students' active learning time with and without the use of bug-in-ear technology. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: High school, rehabilitation clinic, and college/university clinical sites affiliated with 3 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited undergraduate athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen athletic training students (11 females, 2 males; 22.0 ± 1.8 years old, 1.8 ± 0.9 years enrolled in the current athletic training program) and 8 preceptors (5 females, 3 males; 35.4 ± 10.4 years old, 3.5 ± 2.9 years of experience as a preceptor) volunteered for this study. Intervention(s): The principal investigator observed preceptor-student interactions on 2 control days and 2 days using bug-in-ear technology. Participants and the principal investigator assessed students' active learning time at each observation period using the Athletic Training Clinical Education Time Framework. Main Outcome Measure(s): Minutes spent on instructional, clinical, managerial, engaged waiting, and down time as recorded on the Athletic Training Clinical Education Time Framework. Parametric (analysis of variance) and nonparametric (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis) tests compared the perceived amount of time spent in each category between technologies and roles. Results: Bug-in-ear technology resulted in less time on managerial tasks (8.2% ± 5.1% versus 14.6% ± 9.8%; P < .01) and instruction (10.7% versus 12.7%, P < .01). The researcher observed significantly more unengaged waiting time than both the students and preceptors (both P < .01) perceived. Conclusions: Bug-in-ear technology may decrease managerial time and spoken instruction during clinical experiences. Preceptors and students significantly underestimate the amount of unengaged time spent during clinical education, which is of concern. Athletic training programs may also benefit from assessing and improving students' time spent actively learning during clinical education.

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