Establishing a practice climate in academic settings.
This article describes an innovative educational approach that was introduced and developed in one occupational therapy program, favorably assessed by students, and promoted within the occupational therapy literature. A review of educational literature from other disciplines suggests that the approach characterized as creating a practice climate, may be useful to most allied health educators. We discuss (1) the meaning of the term practice climate, (2) the rationale for creating such a climate in larger classroom sessions, (3) nine process strategies that can establish this climate, and (4) an assessment of the approach by two groups of undergraduate students. Although introduced in a senior-level undergraduate course, the approach has merit for implementation in less advanced courses and in graduate education.
Peloquin
Suzanne M
SM
Occupational Therapy Department, School of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77551-1028, USA. speloqui@utmb.edu
Osborne
Karen A
KA
D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods*; D017145:Models, Educational; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012576:Schools, Health Occupations / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States