The use of Practice-Based Learning Days on Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner training programmes: A Self-Determination Theory perspective

Abstract

Practice-Based Learning Days (PBLDs) account for approximately one-third of the total university-lead days on Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) training courses. In this article, I consider a number of challenges facing teachers of PWPs and describe a recent attempt to respond to these challenges by restructuring the content of our PBLDs in a manner informed by Self-Determination Theory. I suggest that by designing these days in a manner intended to facilitate the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for competence and autonomy, the PBLDs offer a way in which teachers of PWPs can promote more autonomous learning and greater psychological wellbeing amongst trainees. Further, I suggest that such use of these days supports education providers in developing learning opportunities that are optimally challenging for all students across each cohort. I finish with a call for future research into the effective use of the PBLDs on PWP training programmes.