Using a critical reflection process to create an effective learning community in the workplace
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Learning circles are an enabling process to critically examine and reflect on practices with the purpose of promoting individual and organizational growth and change. The authors adapted and developed a learning circle strategy to facilitate open discourse between registered nurses, clinical leaders, clinical facilitators and students, to critically reflect on practice experiences to promote a positive learning environment. This paper reports on an analysis of field notes taken during a critical reflection process used to create an effective learning community in the workplace. A total of 19 learning circles were conducted during in-service periods (that is, the time allocated for professional education between morning and afternoon shifts) over a 3 month period with 56 nurses, 33 students and 1 university-employed clinical supervisor. Participation rates ranged from 3 to 12 individuals per discussion. Ten themes emerged from content analysis of the clinical learning issues identified through the four-step model of critical reflection used in learning circle discussions. The four-step model of critical reflection allowed participants to reflect on clinical learning issues, and raise them in a safe environment that enabled topics to be challenged and explored in a shared and cooperative manner.
Journal
Nurse Education Today
Publication Name
Nurse Education Today
Volume
33
ISBN/ISSN
1532-2793
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Pages Count
8
Location
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Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Url
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Publisher Location
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Publish Date
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Url
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Date
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EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1016/j.nedt.2012.03.001