Students midwives' views of enquiry based learning: the BUMP study

Abstract

One of the reasons enquiry based learning (EBL) has been adopted into midwifery education is that it is considered to make learning relevant to practice. This article reports on a qualitative exploration of EBL, which forms part of a larger action research pre-registration midwifery programme. Analysis of the data found four themes: facilitation; group interaction; evaluation of learning; and using triggers in EBL, linking theory to practice. Learning appeared to be affected by how the groups were facilitated and if the group dynamics were fully realized. Students appeared to use EBL as an opportunity to bring practice into the academic setting and engage in deeper learning which is probably why it was valued within the curriculum.