Practice Learning and Student Support

Program Overview

The Practice Learning and Student Support (PL+SS) Top-up Module is a 15-credit online program designed for Allied Health Professionals and Nursing and Midwifery staff to enhance their skills as student mentors and practice educators. The module covers topics such as the role of the practice educator, learning theories, assessment, and supporting students. Participants will complete a 2,500-word assignment to demonstrate their understanding of the module's learning outcomes.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This 15-credit level 6 or 7 module is designed for Allied Health Professionals (AHP) and Nursing and Midwifery (N&M) staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in being a student mentor/practice educator.
• Objectives: Enhance participants' knowledge and skills in being a student mentor/practice educator; combine multi-professional and generic learning with some profession-specific content.
• Description: This online module consists of seven units encompassing various aspects of student mentorship and practice education.
Participants will explore:
• Strengths and limitations of the Practice Educator role
• Applying appropriate learning theories
• Planning, facilitating, and assessing learning in the placement setting
• Providing effective feedback
• Supporting students and addressing learning challenges
• Evaluating the learning experience and reflecting on practice
• Developing action plans for improvement
• Recognizing the impact of effective practice educators on broader practice and CPD

Outline:

• Content: The module covers a range of topics, including:
• Role and attributes of the effective practice educator
• Placement student programs, portfolios, learning outcomes, and assessments
• Building effective working relationships between practice educators and UWE Bristol
• Knowledge, skills, and personal attributes of an effective practice educator
• Applying learning theories to the role of practice educator
• Planning, implementing, and facilitating learning in the placement setting
• Creating an environment for learning
• Integrating academic learning into the workplace
• Identifying and supporting additional learning requirements
• Managing common problems in placement
• Assessing performance in the placement setting
• Identifying learning outcomes and objectives
• Exploring assessment methods and collecting evidence
• Providing effective feedback
• Supporting students and addressing learning challenges
• Exploring frameworks and techniques for supporting students
• Recognizing student expectations and responsibilities
• Recognizing practice educator accountability
• Evaluating learning in the practice setting
• Monitoring the quality of learning and assessment in practice
• Evaluating practice educator effectiveness
• Reflecting on experience and formulating action plans
• Exploring reflective practice models
• Formulating personal action plans for improvement
• Recognizing how effective practice educators can improve broader practice and support CPD
• Structure: The module is delivered online through self-directed learning.
Participants will access learning units, engage in online activities, and complete independent study.
• Modules: The module consists of seven units, each covering a specific aspect of student mentorship and practice education.
• Schedule: The module is offered throughout the year, with multiple start dates available.

Assessment:

• Assessment Method: The assessment for this module is a 2,500-word assignment related to the six learning outcomes, demonstrating how participants have facilitated, supported, assessed, and evaluated a student in practice.
• Assignment format: The assignment will be a maximum of 2,500 words.
• Support: Assignment support will be offered individually via telephone or email.

Teaching:

• Teaching method: The module is delivered online through self-directed learning.
Individual support will be available via telephone or email.
• Faculty: The module is led by experienced professionals in the field of student mentorship and practice education.

Careers:

• Career paths: Completing this module can open up opportunities for participants to work as student mentors, practice educators, or in other related roles.
• Future opportunities: The module can also help participants develop the skills and knowledge needed to progress in their current careers.

Other:

• Learning resources: Participants will be provided with access to essential reading materials and a workbook to support their learning.
• Study time: Approximately 100 hours of study time is expected, including online engagement with learning units, self-directed reading, and study and work-based learning.