Experiential Learning With Children: An Essential Component of Professional Physical Therapy Education

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Physical Therapy Education
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• The American Physical Therapy Association's Section on Pediatrics developed core competencies for graduates.
• There is a need to ensure consistency and quality in pediatric physical therapy education.

Purpose of the Study:

• Advocate for integrating experiential learning activities with children into physical therapy curricula.
• Highlight the necessity of these experiences for achieving core competencies.

Main Methods:

• The article advocates for experiential learning based on established educational principles.
• It presents six curricular exemplars for integrating these activities.

Main Results:

• Experiential learning provides practical exposure to professional roles and identities.
• Learning occurs through direct experience in relevant settings.

Conclusions:

• Experiential learning is vital for developing competent pediatric physical therapists.
• The presented exemplars offer practical guidance for curriculum development.