Developing Professional Practice through Work-Based Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  What is an appropriate project?

A.   One that results in some development in practice. Therefore it benefits the clinical area and directly or indirectly the patient, as well as you the student. It must be able to be realistically completed within the time frame for the module/ dissertation. The topic area has to be agreed by you and the clinical and academic supervisors.

The work-based learning module/dissertation really just provides a framework. There is little common content, because you formulate your own specific outcomes within the broader module outcomes or dissertation guidelines. However, there does need to be an obvious difference between academic levels achieved and therefore supervisors and markers will be looking for a different perspective from diploma to degree or post graduate student. The following guidance was formulated by members of academic staff writing work-based learning module specifications for different levels.

Level 2 - Focuses on the individual in terms of the impact of learning on their patient care.
Level 3 - Focuses on the wider impact of learning, not solely on the individual’s practice, but also on the influence of that learning on the individual’s clinical area.
Level 4 - Focuses on advancing practice. It looks at the individual’s learning as a leader, advanced practitioner or specialist and also on the impact of their learning on the organisation and beyond.

Q. How do I do the project I want to do, not what my clinical area want?

A. Work-based learning is about meeting the organisations objectives as well as your own, and your organisation may well be supporting you to complete your project, whether that is in terms of finance, time or the involvement of a clinical supervisor. However it would be counterproductive to undertake a project that you are not motivated to undertake. The project has to be approved by you, the clinical supervisor and the academic supervisor. The academic supervisor will support you in negotiating a project that all parties are happy to subscribe to.

Q. Do I get some support to develop the learning outcomes for my project?

A. There is guidance on how to create learning outcomes in the ‘Guide to Completing the Learning Action Plan’. Your academic supervisor will ask you to have a go at completing your learning outcomes for your project and will meet with you at the beginning of the module/dissertation to refine them with you.

Q. Can I change my Learning Action Plan as my study develops?

A.   Certainly, in fact it is encouraged. As knowledge develops changes to a project might need to be made. Also projects do not always go to plan; work based learning is all about the reality of learning in the work place. However you must negotiate any changes with the clinical and academic supervisors, giving a clear rationale as to why you have altered your project and document it in the assignment.

Q.Is it sufficient to just plan and commence rather than fully complete the project?

A. You formulate your own outcomes for your project (with help) and you are expected to achieve them. It may be a complete project or the first part of a larger project. The academic supervisor in particular has a responsibility to ensure the chosen project is achievable. However as stated in the question below, because it is the work-place the projects don’t always go to plan and sometimes an outcome may become unachievable or a different outcome has to be negotiated. It is important that the reason for altering or not achieving an outcome and the learning from the action taken is documented in the assignment.

Q.What can be included in the appendix?

A. The same as the appendix in any assignment; anything as long as it is appropriate and provides relevant information to support the content of the assignment.

Q. How often will I see my academic supervisor?
A. Again this is negotiable, but normally you will meet monthly.

 Q .What happens if the academic supervisor is not supportive?

A. Preferably discuss this with your academic supervisor and see if you can resolve the situation. If not then contact the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for the Division of Nursing.

Q. How often should I see my clinical supervisor?

A. There is a place in the Learning Action Plan where you and your clinical supervisor sign to say how you will conduct your supervision. You may decide to meet monthly, or more or less frequently: the relationship is a negotiated one and can change any time throughout the module/dissertation by mutual agreement.

Q. What happens if the clinical supervisor is not supportive?

A. Fortunately this very rarely happens as you normally choose your clinical supervisor. If you can, discuss the lack of support with your clinical supervisor in the first instance. If it is not resolved, then contact your academic supervisor who will determine whether there are any problems. The academic supervisor may ask you to select a co supervisor. If the clinical supervisor refuses to verify your work in the Learning Action Plan then the academic supervisor should establish the reason. If the issue cannot be resolved, then the academic supervisor will refer the problem to the Work-based Learning Coordinator.

Q. Can I use other people for advice on my project?

A. Yes, particularly in clinical practice where it may be necessary to consult with a variety of clinicians, or academics with specialist knowledge. The need for advice from others is often identified in the activities in the Learning Action Plan.

Q. What happens if I do not complete my work on time?

A.   If the project has expanded and you can demonstrate this, then you may negotiate with your supervisors to complete only part of the project, and document the reasons why in your assignment. However in terms of late submission, the same regulations apply to work-based learning students as for all other students.