Student Attainment Objectives: Strand #6

Occupational therapists are teachers. To be an effective practitioner, an occupational therapist must educate all associated recipients of their care. This includes family members of clientele, affiliates of alternative disciplines, and the general public. Occupational therapy education surrounds every aspect of clinical practice. The clinician utilizes educational methods to project messages and instructions pertaining to client care. Education occurs daily in the clinical setting and through many additional venues. Occupational therapists are taught to educate the public about the importance of our service, to educate colleagues and others about the theoretical principles that guide and develop the profession in a variety of ways.

• Understand multiple learning theories and teaching methods that will foster critical thinking and thoughtful presentations
• Articulate the founding core principles and theoretical framework of occupation to others in oral and written format
• Establish sound clinical skills and knowledge required by multiple practice settings that promotes occupational therapy and the education of others
• Recognize and utilize technology as an additional tool to educate the community and others about the role of occupational therapy in health promotion, prevention and wellness
• Create professional leadership development plans that acknowledge the importance of research skills, professional responsibility, education, leadership development and the commitment to life-long learning