title: Capstone projects as scholarship of application in entry-level occupational therapy education.
abstract: Capstone projects are integrative student learning experiences used in higher education. This article describes the value and merit of capstone projects as scholarship of application within an entry-level occupational therapy education program. The capstone process is outlined and roles and responsibilities of student, faculty members, and community mentors described. Summative curricular evaluation from 5 years of capstone projects indicated that project characteristics and objectives aligned with the theory and desired outcomes of applied scholarship in the areas of student learning, faculty practice and development, and community service. Challenges identified can further inform development of the capstone experience in occupational therapy education.
authors.affiliation: Division of Occupational Therapy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jirikowic
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Pitonyak
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rollinger
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fogelberg
authors.forename: Tracy M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Mroz
authors.forename: Janet M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Powell
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D011231:Preceptorship; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D016730:Program Development; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods
keywords: Clinical reasoning; Occupational therapy education; Pedagogy; Scholarship