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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
The How and the Why of Including Children: Experiential Learning in Teaching Physical Therapist Students
Kimberly D Wynarczuk1, Kendra Gagnon, Alyssa LaForme Fiss
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (Dr Wynarczuk), Moravian University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Gagnon), Baylor University, Waco, Texas ; School of Physical Therapy (Dr Fiss), Texas Woman's University, Dallas, Texas; Physical Therapy Program (Dr Kendall), Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire; School of Health Sciences (Dr Schreiber), Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Physical Therapy Program (Dr Rapport), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
Purpose:
This study describes experiential learning (EL) activities with children and the rationale for using EL. Experiential learning with children in entry-level doctor of physical therapy (DPT) education has not been described.
Methods:
Eighteen pediatric educators from accredited DPT programs participated in semistructured, in-depth interviews. Researchers analyzed written interview transcriptions using an iterative, consensus-building, thematic analysis approach.
Results:
Educators described their EL activities. Educators' rationale for using EL grouped around 4 themes: (1) EL is valued by multiple stakeholders, (2) EL provides an additional learning modality, (3) EL introduces students to pediatric physical therapy, and (4) EL addresses standards and competencies for DPT education.
Conclusions:
This research provides a rich description of EL with children and rationale for integrating EL in DPT education. These findings may inform educators and program directors regarding the value of EL and the investment of resources to support EL in DPT education.
Supplemental Video Abstract Available:
at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A386.
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