title: The Use of Experiential Learning in an Occupational Therapy Program: Can it Foster Skills for Clinical Practice?
abstract: ABSTRACT This paper examines the effectiveness of the integration of experiential learning opportunities near the end of the occupational therapy students' didactic education. Using a pretest-post-test questionnaire, journaling, and feedback from a focus group, results suggested that there was a significant improvement in occupational therapy students' self-perception of their ability to perform a multitude of occupational therapy-related skills. The development of professional skills was also seen in the provision of client-centered care during occupational therapy interventions. Although clinical reasoning skills were enhanced, results indicated that it had a large impact on the students' professional growth and development.
authors.affiliation: Lisa Jean Knecht-Sabres is Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa Jean
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Knecht-Sabres