The purpose, value and structure of the practicum in higher education: a literature review

• Published in: Higher education 1996-04, Vol.31 (3), p.355-377
• Main Authors: Ryan, Greg, Toohey, Susan, Hughes, Chris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Berufspraktikum; Bibliografie; College students; Curricula; Education policy; Education Work Relationship; Educational Objectives; Experiential Learning; Field Experience Programs; Forschungsstand; Graduate Study; Higher Education; Instructional Effectiveness; Internationaler Vergleich; Internship Programs; Learning; Learning experiences; Literaturbericht; Nursing students; Outcomes of education; Practicum Supervision; Practicums; Praktikum; Professional Education; Program Design; Research Needs; Student; Students; Studium; Teacher education; Teachers; Teaching methods; Tertiary education; Undergraduate Study; Work experience; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0018-1560; 1573-174X
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00128437

The practicum constitutes an integral part of many professional courses in higher education; and is manifest in several different forms depending on the discipline: field experience, cooperative education, sandwich programs, internships, clerkships, clinical practicum, and the like. This paper provides an overview of different ways in which the practicum has been conceptualized, implemented and evaluated in higher education. It focuses attention on the purpose and value of the practicum; the relationship between the practicum and the learning outcomes of a course as a whole; and the structure and placement of the practicum within a course. Findings indicate that whilst the practicum is widely accepted as a valuable and successful component of professional education, it has a number of shortcomings; and the lack of good quality research into the practicum makes it difficult to draw unequivocal conclusions. A number of questions are posed to guide further research into the role of supervision during practicum placements; the kinds of learning goals and outcomes that are best achieved through the practicum; and the impact on student learning of the length and structure of the practicum. (DIPF/Abstract übernommen).