Occupational Therapy Lab Education: Supporting Students’ Psychomotor Skill Development
Authors:
Siarah A. Jones, OT/s, Janet Curran Brooks, Ed.D, OTR/L
Abstract:
Literature indicated gaps in clinical reasoning for the identification of the therapeutic
potential of movement-to-movement action between the therapists and patients. To fill
this gap, literature suggests improvements in the teaching of clinical reasoning that
increases the therapist’s awareness. The aim of this project was to develop sustainable
learning materials and teaching procedures for physical transfers and post-stroke
scapular preparation for Tufts University occupational therapy students. Theories of
psychomotor development were used to teach students foundational skills in body
mechanics, functional transfers, and scapular preparation. The developed learning
materials integrated cueing, clinical reasoning, and problem solving, which helped build
student confidence, competence, and embodied knowledge. Data analysis revealed that
95% of survey items showed statistically significant improvement in student confidence
& competence after resource exposure.
Key Words:
Education, Learning, Resources