Student Learning Approaches and Readiness to Learn in Midwifery Training

All teaching and learning styles address how students view themselves as learners and their realization of the learning experiences for skill development in the activities which define them. A qualitative research approach was used, to explore the learning approaches of students on a hospital-based midwifery training model for better understanding of their learning needs and facilitate their readiness to competence and confidence development. The Grounded theory design facilitated for exploring participants’ characteristics, learning orientations and readiness through in-depth interviews. Data saturation was achieved with 30 Participants through purposive and theoretical sampling and theoretical sensitivity. Constant comparative analysis concurrent with data collection was used. The main category ‘Individualistic- Collectivistic Learning Styles’ and its four subcategories ‘Bio psychosocial individualities’, ‘Time and Being’, ‘Dexterity Attainment promptness’ and ‘Learning orientations’ emerged when the students were describing their reasons for enrolling into the midwifery programme, their characteristics and their approach towards learning. ‘Time and Being’ emerged when participant described the students’ previous status and related working experience and relationship building in training. The Biopsychosocial individualities emerged from their demographic data (age, gender) and social problems and the psychological support they received in the process. Whilst ‘Skill Acquisition Readiness’ emerged when the participants were describing the rate at which they assimilated the subject matter and requisite skills and their approach towards learning.

In conclusion in this study, it has emerged that: Students are individuals who should be treated with respect and dignity irrespective of their gender and background to allow wholesome development of a qualified midwife in an enabling. Based on the findings from study it could be recommended that: Learning styles in midwifery education should take into account the ‘Bio Psychosocial Uniqueness’, ‘Time and Being’, ‘Dexterity Acquisition Promptness’ and ‘Learning Orientation’, of individual student in order to address each student’s unique learning needs. Finally, further research be conducted to give more insight into the ever-changing characteristics of students to better accommodate their individualistic nature.