UNIT 6: Measuring Educational Outcomes in Occupational Therapy

Educational Outcomes are?

the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and values that students should gain by the end of a course or program.

Educational Outcomes Is a proof that students are?

ready to practice in real-world OT settings.

This model identifies six types of meaningful learning outcomes Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning (2013)

Learning How to Learn, Caring,Human dimension,Integration,Application,& Foundational Knowledge

becoming self-directed learners.

Learning How to Learn

developing passion, interest, and motivation.

Caring

understanding oneself and others.

Human Dimension

making connections across concepts and fields.

Integration

applying knowledge through critical thinking and real-world action.

Application

mastering key facts and theories.

Foundational Knowledge

The Philosophy of OT Education (AOTA, 2018) emphasizes preparing graduates who are

Ethical, client-centered, and occupation-based.

o Collaborative and team-oriented.

o Capable of evidence-based practice.

o Committed to lifelong learning and leadership.

Educational outcomes can be measured at two levels:

Course-Level Outcomes & Curriculum-Level Outcomes

These assess what students should achieve by the end of a specific class or course.

• Outcomes often focus on specific knowledge or skills.

• Common assessment tools include:

o Quizzes and exams

o Practical skill checklists

o Case study discussions

o Reflections and journals

o Presentations

Course-Level Outcomes

These measure what students should achieve by the end of the entire OT program.

• Reflects the program’s mission, vision, and accreditation goals.

• Helps ensure the graduate is prepared for all domains of OT practice.

• Assessed using:

o Capstone projects

o Student exit interviews

o Fieldwork evaluations

o NBCOT pass rates

Curriculum-Level Outcomes

What are the 6 Teaching Strategies and How Their Outcomes Are Measured

Occupation-Centered Education, Interprofessional Education (IPE), Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Service Learning, Simulation & Fieldwork

Teaches students to prioritize occupational participation in therapy.

• Tools to measure outcomes:

o Reflective writing on occupation-based care

o Case analysis of occupational performance

o Observations of clinical reasoning during role-play or simulation

Occupation-Centered Education

• Prepares students to collaborate with professionals like nurses, PTs, and social workers.

• Assessed through:

o Team-based projects

o Communication simulations

o Peer feedback and collaboration rubrics

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

• Trains students to combine research, clinical expertise, and client values.

• Measured by:

o Research papers and presentations

o Critical reviews of journal articles

o Application of research in treatment planning

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Combines community service with academic learning.

• Outcomes include:

o Enhanced empathy and cultural awareness

o Applied understanding of OT roles

o Commitment to civic responsibility

. Service Learning

Allows students to practice real-life clinical scenarios in a controlled environment.

• Measured with:

o Clinical decision-making rubrics

o Self-assessment after simulations

o Observation by faculty and peers

Simulation

Essential for translating academic knowledge into hands-on clinical skills.

• Outcomes are tracked using:

o Self-efficacy surveys

o Supervisor evaluations

o NBCOT performance analysis

Fieldwork

Final evaluation of learning, Measures mastery or achievement,Graded by instructor or exam board

Summative

Ongoing, throughout the course

Supports feedback, growth, and improvement

Often self- or peer-assessed

Formative