9. Clinical and Practicum Education in the Professions: The Student Voice

Abstract

Undergraduate students in professional education programs typically rate their clinical or practicum experiences as teh most important component of their entire pre-service preparation.  This essay addresses the value of students’ views regarding the effectiveness of practicum programs. We summarize the views of 546 post-practicum students from three professional disciplines (engineering, nursing, and teacher education), concerning what they considered to be the most positive and negative aspectsof their respective practicum/clinical field-experiences.Our data analysis revealed three positive themes across the disciplines: the supportive interrelationships that students experienced; their own professional achievements; and their personal contribution to the welfare of their clients/pupils. Three negative elements also emerged: individual personal/professional challenges; site-based interpersonal conflicts; and policy or procedural problems with the program. Implications are raised for practicum administrators regarding the contribution of the student voice to clinical program enhancement.