Chapter 13 - Evaluating the Learning Experience

Abstract

It is an Nursing and Midwifery Council requirement that programmes are evaluated and that this should be undertaken in partnership between the university and practice learning partners. Key stakeholders all have an essential part to play in contributing to evaluations, and this includes the students undertaking the programmes and the people who are the recipient of care. Practice supervisors and practice assessors spend a lot of time with students during their placements, which make up half of a student nurse’s programme. It is important therefore to have an understanding of whether the learning experiences and support provided to the student meet student needs; this requires an evaluation of each student’s placement. This chapter looks at different strategies available for evaluating the quality of the learning experience for students including evaluating the role of the practice supervisors, practice assessors and other health and social care professionals involved in supporting student learning. A range of other tools are described which can be used for evaluating the quality of the learning environment and the student experience. The chapter finishes by discussing the importance of reflection as a means of self-evaluation for practice supervisors and assessors, which can help enhance the student learning experience and be used as a tool for self-development.