Achieving Curricular Themes Through Learner-Centered Teaching

• Published in: Occupational therapy in health care Vol. 21; no. 1-2; pp. 185 - 198
• Main Authors: Kramer, Paula, Ideishi, Roger I., Kearney, Pamalyn J., Cohen, Michelle E., Ames, Joanne Oppermann, Shea, Geraldine Borelli, Schemm, Ruth, Blumberg, Phyllis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 2007; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: curriculum; Education; learner-centered
• ISSN: 0738-0577; 1541-3098
• DOI: 10.1080/J003v21n01_14

This paper focuses on the use of the four specific learner-centered teaching approaches: service-learning, learning through discussion, team-based learning, and a structured research course sequence in an occupational therapy curriculum. These methods are used to develop the four curriculum themes of engagement, critical thinking, innovations in practice, and clinical reasoning. The outcome of these approaches has been that students have taken more responsibility for their learning and shown increased maturity while promoting faculty creativity. Additionally, students have developed skills and interests in social and community engagement, and have sought jobs in community-based practice areas.