A structured approach to the integration of the clinical and didactic components of health career programs

This paper presents a tested approach to a systematic progression of learning from the classroom to the clinical internship. The approach uses workbooks to integrate all facets of the training continuum. The basic model is training continuum. The basic model is called TAR. T refers to theory or teaching; A to application, which occurs during the clinical component; and R to reinforcement provided through seminars scheduled concurrently with fieldwork. The entire concept is introduced to students during a required weekly fieldwork preparation component scheduled prior to the first theory course. Clinicians and academicians participated in all phases of the three-year, HEW-funded project, which included development of interrelated performance objectives for the teaching, application and reinforcement components. Analysis of data from clinicians, students and faculty indicated that the TAR model provides a needed integrating structure.