Date of Award
8-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Education and Organizational Leadership Development
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Sonja Ardoin
Committee Member
Dr. Michelle Boettcher
Committee Member
Dr. Noelle Paufler
Committee Member
Dr. Sherwood Burns-Nader
Abstract
Child life specialists support children and families during healthcare experiences and other stressful life events, making it important for child life students to develop both knowledge and practical skills before entering the profession. This study explored how current child life students and recent graduate experienced hands-on learning activities in their child life education. Through interviews, a survey, and follow-up reflection, participants described how activities like role play, case studies, realistic scenarios, activity play plans, and teaching plans influenced their learning and professional development. Participants shared these experiences helped them learn to apply what they learned in the classroom into real life situations. This study showed current and recently graduated child life students shared common ideas and words to describe experiential learning, had opportunities for hands-on learning activities in their classes, had environments that supported child life skill development, and experiences that prepared them for the profession. They also identified ways to strengthen child life education including intentional reflection and debriefing opportunities, more chances to learn from other healthcare professionals, and stronger communication between academic programs and clinical supervisors. These findings suggested experiential learning plays an important role in preparing future child life specialists for professional practice and supporting the development of their professional identity.
Recommended Citation
Lockett, Amanda L., "Experiential Learning in Child Life Education" (2026). All Dissertations. 4314.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/4314