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The Effects of Pediatric Experiential Learning During a 1-Week Intensive
Leah Lowe1,2,3, Meredith Flowers1,2,3, Charlotte Yates1,2,3
1Leah Lowe is an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, 72035 (llowe@uca.edu). Please address all correspondence Leah Lowe.
A week-long pediatric experiential learning (EL) intensive significantly improved physical therapist students' clinical reasoning (CR) and self-efficacy (SE). This intensive course offers a feasible and effective method for enhancing these crucial skills in pediatric physical therapy education.
Area of Science:
- Physical Therapy Education
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Experiential Learning
Background:
- Experiential learning (EL) in physical therapist education is linked to improved clinical reasoning (CR) and self-efficacy (SE).
- Previous studies suggest EL aids psychomotor skills, confidence, and communication, but effectiveness in intensive formats is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in perceived CR and SE among physical therapist students after a high-dose (≥15 hours) pediatric EL-intensive course (1 week).
Main Methods:
- Second-year physical therapist students (n=18) participated in an Advanced Pediatric Elective Intensive.
- Students completed the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR) and Physical Therapy Self-Efficacy Scale (PTSE) pre- and post-course.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in SACRR scores (P < .001) and PTSE scores (P < .001) was observed post-intensive.
- Results indicate that active teaching methods like EL may enhance students' perceived CR and SE.
Conclusions:
- A one-week pediatric EL intensive is a viable and effective strategy for enhancing physical therapist students' CR and SE.
- Educators can consider intensive EL formats to improve pediatric physical therapy training.
