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Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Achieving curricular themes through learner-centered teaching
Paula Kramer1, Roger I Ideishi, Pamalyn J Kearney
1Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street, PO Box 24, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 p.kramer@usip.edu.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care
|August 10, 2013
Summary
Learner-centered teaching methods like service-learning and team-based learning enhanced occupational therapy students
Area of Science:
- Occupational therapy education
- Pedagogy in health sciences
Background:
- Traditional occupational therapy curricula often lack learner-centered approaches.
- Developing critical thinking and clinical reasoning is essential for modern practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of four learner-centered teaching approaches on occupational therapy students.
- To integrate curriculum themes of engagement, critical thinking, innovation, and clinical reasoning.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of service-learning.
- Facilitation of learning through discussion.
- Application of team-based learning.
- Integration of a structured research course sequence.
Main Results:
- Students demonstrated increased responsibility and maturity in their learning.
- Faculty experienced enhanced creativity in teaching methods.
- Students developed skills and interest in social and community engagement.
- Graduates actively sought employment in community-based practice settings.
Conclusions:
- Learner-centered approaches effectively foster student engagement and professional development in occupational therapy.
- These methods prepare students for diverse practice settings, including community-based roles.
- Integrating specific teaching strategies can enhance core curriculum themes and graduate preparedness.
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