The Student's Perspective on What Makes an Exceptional Practice Placement Educator

Abstract

A Canadian occupational therapy organisation has recognised exceptional student supervision for practice placements by giving awards since 1990. Students have voluntarily nominated their practice placement educator by writing a statement outlining why the educator deserved the award. To determine the student's perspective on what qualities make an exceptional educator, the researchers analysed the 103 nominations using thematic analysis. Four primary themes emerged from the data, namely creating a positive learning environment, facilitating learning, being a role model and having a positive effect on the student. Although this study focused on the exceptional practice placement educator, the findings are relevant to anyone striving to improve the quality of the practice placement learning experience.