Fieldwork I Program Evaluation of Student Learning Using Goal Attainment Scaling.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Program Evaluation
• Student Learning Assessment

Background:

• Level I fieldwork is crucial for master of science in occupational therapy programs.
• Assessing student learning during fieldwork requires reliable outcome measures.
• Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) offers a potential framework for individualized goal assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) for measuring student learning.
• To assess student learning outcomes during Level I fieldwork in an occupational therapy program.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative pretest-posttest design was employed over four semesters (Fall 2013-Fall 2014).
• 240 master of science in occupational therapy students completed individualized GAS for their fieldwork goals.
• Qualitative data were collected through exit surveys.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in student learning goal attainment were observed during Level I fieldwork.
• Students reported high satisfaction with the program, especially with the GAS goal-setting process.
• GAS proved effective in tracking individualized student progress.

Conclusions:

• Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a valuable and effective outcome measure for student learning in occupational therapy fieldwork.
• The program evaluation supports the integration of GAS into occupational therapy curricula for enhanced goal setting and assessment.
• GAS facilitates a structured approach to individualized learning and demonstrates measurable student progress.