'Watching a flower grow day after day’ – the value of workplace based projects in Kuwait

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this research was to explore the value of workplace based projects within a University of Dundee Educational Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/Master Degree Programme in Kuwait: students' views and experiences. MethodsA small scale exploratory case study was conducted. A qualitative approach using narrative analysis, online questionnaire and focus group interviews were carried out with participants all of whom are studying on the University of Dundee Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/Master programme in Diabetes Care and Education in Kuwait. An inductive thematic analysis was performed which focused on examining topics within the data. ResultsThe results imply that the positive implementation of workplace based learning, with implications for patient care by practitioners, with a corresponding satisfactory review from course tutors, is important from an educational and clinical perspective. Practitioners in this study valued the opportunity to both work and study in order to improve their performance by implementing their new found knowledge and so educate others and change practice. ConclusionWorkplace based learning is important as it enhances the students' knowledge and understanding due to their having to apply this within a practical setting.' In turn this allows them the opportunity to reflect on that practical experience and so inform further learning. ' The merit of workplace based learning in this study is emphasised as a key part of a Masters educational programme in Kuwait.