Physiotherapy Internship: An Alternative Collaborative Learning Model

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this article are to (1) present a descriptive qualitative field report of a collaborative learning internship of four students assigned to two clinical instructors (CIs) (4:2 ratio) in the area of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice and (2) provide recommendations to CIs and universities based on this field study. Summary of Key Points: From the perspective of the students, the main advantages of this collaborative internship included increased peer support, knowledge sharing, problem solving, and a comfortable learning environment. The CIs found advantages to include more instructor peer support, increased student collaboration with assessment and treatment planning, and more opportunity for group discussion. The main disadvantages from the perspectives of both the students and the CIs were accommodating various learning styles and personalities and having less 1:1 time with the CIs. Conclusion: This collaborative learning model did not impede the quality of student education or patient care and was shown to be an educational experience appropriate for implementation in student internships. Given the positive outcomes and the recommendations provided, this 4:2 collaborative learning internship could be implemented to help meet the growing demands of increased enrolment and “hard-to-find” internships and to foster stronger supervisory skills for clinicians.