“It opened up a whole new world”: An innovative interprofessional learning activity for students caring for children and families

Abstract

Fostering classroom environments that optimize learning and prepare students for professional practice in complex work environments requires the use of pedagogies beyond traditional didactic styles. Student centred models support a shift from passive to active learning, improve engagement with course material, and promote critical thinking in the classroom. Educators in professional programs must create opportunities for students to learn team processes that prepare them for their future work environment. The purpose of this project was to explore students’ perception of their learning while participating in a mock team meeting, designed to optimize student engagement with course material and promote interprofessional collaboration and learning. Reflective papers were used to provide student perspectives on their learning during the activity. These papers were then analyzed. Student engagement was highlighted as a significant finding from this active learning pedagogy and other findings suggested the interprofessional team meeting provided multiple learning opportunities such as the chance to practice a professional role, collaborate as a team, discover other perspectives, and learn about interprofessional roles. Students offered suggestions for subsequent versions of the activity and expressed a desire to engage in more interprofessional learning experiences throughout their programs.