Midwifery students' perceived learning from classes on pregnancy accounts given after lectureses and seminars

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to clarify what midwifery students learn from lectures on pregnancy by querying the students' perceived learning after the lectures.
Methods
The subjects comprised 18 midwifery students in a non-degree graduate course in midwifery specialty studies at University A Junior College. This study was implemented after receiving approval from the ethics committee at the university to which the authors belong. The investigation reached in July 2013. We analyzed data from verbatim records of student accounts of perceived learning from lectures and seminars on pregnancy.
Results
The contents of midwifery students' perceived learning from lectures on pregnancy were broadly divided into two categories. The first category was based on basic knowledge and comprised "the acquisition of basic knowledge in order to diagnose the progression of pregnancy" and "providing health guidance and care tailored to the patient" in terms of the ability to perform midwifery diagnoses. The second category comprised learning to "build better relationships by treating pregnant women and their families with compassion" and "use knowledge to independently acquire information essential to practice" in terms of deepening and supporting relationships by focusing on the people and environments surrounding pregnant women.
Conclusion
Midwifery students not only acquired knowledge, but also learned to support patients, show consideration toward pregnant women and their families, and adopt an attitude of self-learning.