The story models of physiotherapy students’ professional development. Narrative research

Abstract The aim of this article is to investigate students’ narratives about their professional development process. This research brings new kind of knowledge to continuing learning, developing education and planning the curriculum in physiotherapy education. The European Qualification Framework (EQF) defines learning competences in education; qualitative research has a narrative approach. The material consists of eight voluntarily participating physiotherapy students’ portfolios written during their whole study time. The longitudinal data describes them as learners and their development process. The major findings are four main episodes in professional development: the previous studies, a new way of learning, understanding the physiotherapy and becoming professional in physiotherapy. Three story models were found: the story of the development of an autonomous learner, the story of the development in becoming a member of the physiotherapy community and the story of the development of a critical developer. In conclusion, four steps in the physiotherapy students’ professional development were formed. The model helps understand the students’ concepts about their professional development. Students need theoretical knowledge and practical skills to build their professional development. Reflecting learning and instructed practice are important for professional development in healthcare. Learning is connected to action, context and culture where information is collected and used.