Using Creative and Contemporary Teaching Strategies to Promote Emancipation, Empowerment and Achievement in Undergraduate Paramedic Students – a Personal Reflection

Abstract

The case-based learning (CBL) process used in the clinical units of the Bachelor of Emergency Health – Paramedic (BEH-P) degree embraces similar ideologies to student-centred learning (SCL) and focuses on specific attributes such as: an increased search for independent knowledge, self-motivation, emancipation and self-discovery. The author has created greater student-to-student and student-to-teacher communication opportunities via several innovative strategies during each weekly case lecture series. These improvements have provided the opportunity for students to achieve their full potential whilst preparing them for the journey of a lifetime learner. Background: Contribution is specifically targeted to facilitate learning using CBL, SCL and online teaching and learning (T&L) principles. This paper will present T&L innovations founded upon student evaluations and critical reflection based on two clinical units from the BEH-P program: BEH2031 Foundations of Paramedic Clinical Practice and BEH2012 Paramedic Management of Cardio-Respiratory Emergencies. This is also emphasised with the recent thesis entitled “What are paramedic undergraduate students’ perceptions of a clinical curriculum utilising a case-based learning paradigm?”