The Clinical Learning Spiral: a model to develop reflective practitioners

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Practice
• Reflective Learning

Background:

• Reflective practice is increasingly recognized in nursing education.
• The Australasian Nurse Registering Authority Committee (ANRAC) mandates reflective practice for nurse practitioners.
• Existing literature on reflection is largely drawn from educational contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the concept and development of an action research clinical learning spiral.
• To foster reflective practice among undergraduate nursing students and their clinical teachers.
• To explore the creation of a cooperative learning environment through mutual reflection.

Main Methods:

• Development of an action research clinical learning spiral model.
• Incorporation of various reflective practice models.
• Facilitation of mutual group reflection between students and clinical teachers.

Main Results:

• The action research clinical learning spiral provides structure and focus to reflection-on-action.
• It enables students and clinical teachers to establish shared goals for future clinical experiences.
• The process integrates the clinical facilitator as a key element in student learning.

Conclusions:

• The action research clinical learning spiral effectively promotes reflective practice in clinical nursing settings.
• This approach enhances the cooperative learning environment between students and educators.
• It supports the development of essential competencies for beginning nurse practitioners.