Japanese midwifery preservice professionals’ journal reflections on practicum experiences working with mothers and infants

The purpose of the current study was to examine Japanese preservice professionals’ socialization experiences while working with mothers and infants during midwifery practicum experiences. This study utilized an interpretive case study research design (Merriam, Sharan B. 1998. Qualitative research and case study applications in education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass). Data were collected from reflective journals (Janesick, Valerie. 1999. A journal about journaling: Writing as a qualitative research technique history issues and reflections. Qualitative Inquiry 5(4). 505–524) and electric portfolios. Participants were ten female students enrolled in a midwifery certification program at one private university located in central Tokyo in Japan. A constant comparative analysis method was used to interpret the data, with four themes emerging from the data: (a) struggling to make decisions related to lesson procedures, (b) adjusting lesson content to meet mothers’ and infants’ unique needs, (c) paying less attention to partners’ roles and responsibilities, and (d) applying knowledge and skills to future midwifery settings. Results indicated that the preservice professionals struggled to prepare and plan lessons and activities in a timely manner, and had the challenge of modifying activities based on the infant’s unexpected and unpredictable behaviors. However, the preservice professionals believed that the practicum course was beneficial for their professional learning and development, and applicable to various educational and professional settings. In order to advance the quality of practicum experiences in the midwifery program, instructors, department chairs, and researchers need clear and focused goals related to the status, quality, and relevance of the midwifery program mission and curricula. Due to the paucity of research in this area, it is essential to further explore these issues in Japan.