Learning physiotherapy in clinical practice: student interaction in a professional context

A situated perspective on learning implies looking at learning as a process of social interaction. Learning is linked to participation and engagement in situations and activities that make up the community of practice. The aim of this study was to explore how important students perceive interaction in the community of practice to be for their learning. We chose a qualitative approach using semistructured interviews. The informants were five interns and five third-year students. The interviews were analysed by using a phenomenographic framework. Four descriptive categories were identified: 1) feeling welcome and included; 2) having enough time and space; 3) the importance of a fellow student; and 4) the patient as my teacher. In environments in which students feel welcome and included, they are allowed to test their ability to gain and develop experience, and they become active participants of a community. As active participants, students have access to a variety of learning situations. If learning is understood as a dynamic process during which all participants develop, there will be mutual interaction between students and the professional community. When learning becomes integrated into practice and has consequences for development of the community, responsibility for the learning of others becomes important.