The perceptions of nursing students of practice-based teaching

The issue of students learning in practice has been an ongoing debate and link lecturers are increasingly expected to be involved in teaching in the practice setting. This is of particular relevance in light of current government and professional recommendations, which emphasise the importance of learning in practice settings in pre-registration programmes. This study aims to provide insights into the students' perceptions of practice-based teaching facilitated by link lecturers in pre-registration education. Focus group interviews were used as the method of data collection. The sample consisted of three focus groups of 4-14 students each. Three focus group interviews were conducted and data analysed to identify common themes. The following themes emerged from the result: integration of theory to practice, development of the skill of reflection, student support, peer support and shared learning and motivation. The future of practice-based teaching is discussed in relation to the enhancement of: integration of theory to practice, development of the skill of reflection and student support. Suggestions for the ways in which practice-based teaching could be facilitated are offered and these include having an educational structure which supports regular teaching sessions in practice settings and a strategy for staff development.