Defining the Engaging Learning Experience from the Athletic Training Student Perspective

Context: Clinical experiences are an integral part of athletic training education and are where students gain the hands-on, practical knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care in the field. However, some clinical education experiences may not allow athletic training students to become clinically integrated. Objective: To explore athletic training students' perspectives on their clinical learning experiences, specifically as they relate to an engaging learning environment. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredited undergraduate programs. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-one athletic training students (6 juniors; 15 seniors) with an average age of 22 years (20–23 years) from 4 National Athletic Trainers' Association districts volunteered to participate in our study. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants responded to a series of open-ended questions by journaling their thoughts and opinions through the secure webs...