Introduction: Practical training represents one of the key components of the physiotherapy study program, as it allows the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice in a clinical environment. The clinical environment provides a specific learning setting for students, where the focus is on the patient's health condition and treatment, making education significantly more dependent on the student's initiative and willingness to participate in active learning. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to examine the opinions of third-year physiotherapy students at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, regarding the pedagogical process in the clinical setting. Methods: The participants were physiotherapy students who were enrolled in the third year during the academic year 2021/2022 and had completed all clinical exercises and practical training during the research period. A web-based survey was conducted to gather students' opinions on the desired roles and characteristic features of a clinical mentor, effective teaching and learning activities, education models, and the duration of clinical education. Results: Out of the total number of 76 third-year students, 46 fully completed the questionnaire (response rate = 61%), with an average age of 22.7 years (range 22 – 29 years). According to the students, a mentor is characterised by being a person who guides and leads with advice and explanations, plays the role of a demonstrator of techniques and a provider of knowledge, communicates well, and gives constructive feedback. The students identified patient-centred activities, discussions, and feedback as the most effective teaching and learning activities. Regarding the education model, they favoured small group settings of three to five students with one mentor. The participants also highlighted the need for more attention to patient treatment, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning. Discussion and Conclusion: To promote active learning, improve the effectiveness of clinical education, and enhance students' skills and competencies for high-quality future practice, it is essential to consider the students' opinions when planning and implementing clinical education.
|