Evaluation of entrustable professional activities and competency assessment in sport and exercise sciences in higher education: Student perceptions of the impact on learning

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate the implementation of entrustable professional activities (EPA) to identify student perception of value and purpose to their learning. A framework and matrix were developed and implemented into a Sport and Exercise Sciences module of an undergraduate degree. Evaluation was completed through questionnaires and focus group interviews to identify students’ perceptions. Data were analysed and interpreted through content and thematic analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify if significant differences existed in perceptions due to gender, awareness, and purpose, and a cluster analysis was used to identify commonalities in perceptions. Findings support a positive perception with students reporting the matrix was communicated well (80% agreement) and was easy to understand (93%), with clearly distinguished statements (97%) appropriately aligned to the profession. EPAs offer a well-structured, easy to use teaching and learning tool to aid student professional development with minimal barriers to its application in practice.