Interdisciplinary group learning in a kinesiology course: a novel approach

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology
• Biomechanics
• Interprofessional Education

Background:

• Kinesiology courses for physical (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) graduate students often lack interdisciplinary integration.
• Developing teamwork and a holistic understanding of biomechanical concepts is crucial for PT and OT practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an active, collaborative learning project designed to foster teamwork and integrate kinesiology concepts among first-year PT and OT graduate students.
• To assess the effectiveness of a group-based, interdisciplinary project in enhancing student comprehension of lower extremity biomechanics.

Main Methods:

• First-year PT and OT graduate students were intentionally mixed into groups of five.
• Students described and illustrated bony structures, joint mechanics, and muscle actions for assigned lower extremity functional tasks.
• The project culminated in a group poster presentation to the class.

Main Results:

• Faculty awarded high marks for poster detail and student preparedness, indicating thoroughness.
• Student scores were less critical than faculty scores, with minimal comments.
• A majority of students informally reported that presenting the entire poster enhanced their comprehension of the entire course material.

Conclusions:

• The active, collaborative learning project successfully promoted teamwork and integration of kinesiology concepts.
• Requiring students to present comprehensive material fostered a deeper understanding of the course content.
• This interdisciplinary approach offers a valuable model for PT and OT education.