A UNIVERSITY BASED MASTERS PROGRAM IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: BUILDING ACADEMIC CULTURE, SELF-RESPONSIBLE LEARNING AND INTERDISCIPLINARY INTEGRATION THROUGH JOURNAL CLUBS, INDIVIDUAL STUDY PLANS, RUBRICS AND CURRICULUM DESIGN

The purpose of this workshop is to share and discuss educational methods to foster master level education. Rationale Among the challenges of the post graduate master program in Occupational Therapy at University of Southern... [ view full abstract ]

The purpose of this workshop is to share and discuss educational methods to foster master level education.

Rationale
Among the challenges of the post graduate master program in Occupational Therapy at University of Southern Denmark is the educational change towards an academic culture required of students to ascertain master level learning competencies. Through individual study plans and by use of Rubrics as tools for evaluation and feedback processes self-responsible learning is facilitated. Journal Clubs are used to qualify critical research understanding as an integrated part of the curriculum, which is also designed to enhance interdisciplinary cooperation through joint modules with other health professions. These learning activities are chosen to prepare students for future jobs that increasingly require competencies to develop and evidence-based Occupational Therapy services in cooperation with others.

Objectives for participants, to obtain:
• Increased knowledge about curriculum design and how it can be used to build academic culture and interdisciplinary integration
• First hand-experience with developing and using Rubrics for evaluation and feedback purposes
• Insights to strategies for working with Journal Club to enhance critical research understanding
• Inspiration for using Individual Study Planning to enhance self-responsible learning and preparing for master thesis

Format
The workshop will start with an overview of the education and the four educational methods
1/ Curriculum design
2/ Individual Study Plan
3/ Journal Club
4/ Rubrics
After presentations participants will have the opportunity to work with and discuss two of the educational methods in groups followed by panel discussion of educational implications