OCTH 401:  Theory and Practice in Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy Education

Fall Semester, 2006

2 Credit Hours

 

Instructor:  Mary Jane Youngstrom, MS, OTR, FAOTA

                 Office days:  M-F             Office hours:  By appointment

 

Class Time:  Friday,  10:00-12:30

Class Location:  OM 1014 except for 8/18, 9/29 and 11/3 when we meet in Wahl Hall

                        West

 

Course Description:

         Foundation concepts of the profession, including the role of occupation in the development of occupational competence, and self identity, maintenance of health and well-being, and adaptation to life-altering circumstances.  Introduction to clinical reasoning and application of clinical reasoning, and classical and contemporary occupational therapy conceptual frameworks in the occupational therapy process.  Interrelationship of theory, research and practice.

 

 

Key Questions: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to answer these questions:

  1. What are the core constructs that occupational therapy theories address and how are they described in various OT theories?
  2. How does engaging in occupation contribute to health and well-being?
  3. What is a theory; why are they important; how do theories influence practice?
  4. What are the core conceptual models/theories that underlie practice; how does each theory contribute to the core constructs of the profession?
  5. How can you differentiate the core theories?
  6. What are the components of clinical reasoning and how is clinical reasoning applied in practice?
  7. How do theory and clinical reasoning interact?
  8. What does it mean to be client-centered and how does it look in practice?

 

Teaching/Learning Experiences:  This class will combine lecture, discussion, group exercise and cases to promote learning and application.

 

Required Texts/Materials:

1)  Crepeau, B.C., Cohn, E.S. & Schell, B.A. (Eds.). (2003),  Willard and SpackmanÕs

         occupational therapy (10th ed.). Philadelphia:  Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

2)  Kramer, P., Hinojosa, J., & Royeen, C.B., ( Eds.).  (2003).  Perspectives in human occupation—participation in life.  Philadelphia:  Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

3)  Additional readings to be handed out in class

  

 

Attendance Policy:  Prompt attendance at all class sessions is expected. Regular class attendance is necessary in order to benefit from in class learning experiences such as discussion, group activities, and question and answers which all contribute to clarification and integration of learning.  If you miss a class you are responsible for obtaining all material and information related to the class session from a classmate.  If you know you are going to be absent please notify the instructor in advance.  Absences in excess of the number of credit hours for this class will be considered excessive and may result in deduction of points for professional behavior and participation.  Point deduction is at the discretion of the instructor but will not exceed 10% of the total class points. 

 

Academic Supports and Accommodations:  Learning assistance, academic performance enhancement and psychological services at KUMC are free, confidential, and available at Student Counseling & Educational Support Services by calling 913-588-6580 or visiting G116 Student Center.

 

Any student in this course who needs an accommodation because of a disability in order to complete the course requirements should contact the instructor or the Equal Opportunity/Disability Specialist (913-588-7813, TDD 913-588-7963) as soon as possible.

 

Performance Expectations/Evaluation Methods/Grading Scale:

Assignments:  To receive all points for an assignment, the assignment must be turned in by the beginning of the class in which it is due. Up to 10% of the assignment points may be deducted for each full or partial day an assignment is late.  Possibilities for make-up exams or assignments are made on an individual basis at the instructorÕs discretion. If the student experiences extenuating circumstances which prevent completion of an assignment on the due date, the student must contact the instructor at least 24 hours before the class in which the assignment is due to that the instructor can determine if an extension is warranted.

 

Course Evaluation: 

         Quizzes (5) at 15 points each                                        75

         Theory worksheets (4) at 25 points each                         100

         Narrative interview  (in conjunction with OCTH 430)            50

         Theory application and comparison to client                      100

         Clinical reasoning application to client                              100                            

         Final                                                         ___________ 75_____

Total             500

 

         Grading Scale

                  A  90-100%           450-500 points

                  B  82-89.9%                   410-449 points

                  C  75-81.9%                375-409 points

                  D  70-74.9%            350-374 points

                  F    0-69%             349 and below

 

Professional Writing

Clear professional writing is an essential skill in professional practice.  Developing skill in professional and technical writing is an important aspect of your learning within this curriculum.  To support this learning each instructor will consider elements of language use in the grading of written communications, including appropriate content, style, word choice, syntax and mechanics.  If you need help with your writing, please contact the Student Center at ext. 8-6580 or visit the KU writing center at www.writing.ku.edu.

 

 

Academic and Professional Conduct:  The nature of the advanced level of activities in this curriculum must be based upon mutual trust and respect. It is the expectation of each instructor that each student will engage in scholarly acquisition respectfully and with highest ethical standards for self and others.  Please refer to the School of Allied Health Student Handbook for the policy regarding academic misconduct.  Reported acts of academic or non-academic misconduct will be referred to the departmental Academic Integrity and Professional Standards System for investigation/resolution.  Each student and faculty member commits to "uphold professional standards through ethical academic participation by signing the following HONOR PLEDGE:

"As a member of this academic community, I pledge that I will not tolerate or engage in academic or non-academic misconduct and will uphold the academic integrity and professional standards of this program and my profession."

 

Professional behavior:  Professional behavior in appearance, participation and conduct is expected.  It is the prerogative of the instructor to deduct points for inappropriate or unprofessional behavior if deemed necessary.  Professional behavior expectations are outlined in the OT Education Student Handbook.  Incidents involving disregard for professional and ethical behavior may result in a point deduction in the class.

 

Student Responsibility:  Any student who does not understand and/or accept the contents and terms of this syllabus must notify the instructor in writing within one week after receiving this syllabus.