Abstract
Aim:
The present study illustrates how learning conditions may be improved by organising students into groups.
Method:
12 students from a university college in Norway participated in semi-structured group interviews. A qualitative approach guided the research process. The analysis process is inspired by Amadeo Giorgi.
Findings:
The implementation shows that students learn from each other by working together in practical situations and by reflecting together. A sense of safety and wellbeing as basic conditions for learning results from students supporting each other in the group setting Facilitation of continuity in student supervision appears to be the main challenge of organizing clinical studies by means of student groups. This requires particular collaboration between the university college and the field of practitioners, involving clarification of how supervisors may perform in their roles.
Conclusion:
From an educational point of view, this study shows that group oriented clinical studies provide good opportunities for support, well-being and learning. Thus, organizing students into learning groups might benefit students' learning in clinical studies.