Purpose: Through discussion of occupational therapy historical inquiry, this workshop will show how history can capture an interpretive snapshot of what people did to move a profession forward (Gottshalk, 1969) with examples... [ view full abstract ]
Purpose: Through discussion of occupational therapy historical inquiry, this workshop will show how history can capture an interpretive snapshot of what people did to move a profession forward (Gottshalk, 1969) with examples from two in-process historical studies.
Learning Outcomes: Learners will 1) understand methods of historical research, including analyzing primary and secondary archival sources, and oral history; 2) apply best historical practice principles.
Rationale: History involves constructing arguments about roads taken and not taken in occupational therapy (Kaestle, 1996; Peters, 2013). As occupational therapy considers the future in 2020 and beyond, “It is essential, that in making history, we…see our mistakes, as well as our successes”, as stated by Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) (Eshet, 2010, p. 13).
Format: Short presentations with small group discussion or individual work. Participants will have opportunity to apply historical research principles with their own work or the presenters’ materials.
References
Eshet, D. (2010) Fundamental freedoms: Eleanor Roosevelt and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Brookline, MA: Facing History and Ourselves.
Gottshalk, L. (1969) A primer of historical method. New York, Knopf.
Kaestle, C.F. (1996) ‘Standards of evidence in historical research’, History of education quarterly, 32, pp. 361-366.
Peters, C.O. (2013) Powerful occupational therapists: A community of professionals, 1950-1980. London, Routledge.
Financial support by Frederic W. Sammons Family Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.
