35063 research outputs found
Sort by
College Access Literacy with a FOCUS on Key Transition Knowledge for Historically Underrepresented Students and Their Educators
Get PDFIn this article, we present a programmatic model to develop College Access Literacy (CAL) among both students and educators. University faculty developed a six-module curriculum delivered through existing Professional Development School partnerships in afterschool seminars for high school juniors and separate class periods for other high school students. Professional development sessions were also delivered by content experts to high school educators and faculty who were paired to co-teach the curriculum. The program was implemented in three high schools that primarily serve historically underrepresented students. CAL topics, intended to provide students with knowledge and strategies for college access success, included college selection, college admissions, financial aid, student life, student support services, and academic advising. We analyzed post-session/class/professional development survey responses from students and educators regarding the usefulness of sessions and content, and ratings of how confident respondents felt about their ability to use and/or apply the information going forward. Results suggest the program holds great promise for providing the culturally specific knowledge students and their teachers need to achieve success. Furthermore, we propose CAL-specific skills as worthy of an educator professional development emphasis moving forward
Paving A Path From Occupational Therapy Clinician to Researcher: A Grounded Theory
Get PDFBackground: Research is vital for continued development and support of practice for occupational therapy, yet little is known about occupational therapists currently in research roles. Occupational therapists who primarily conduct research see themselves as a unique minority in the profession. This study aimed to understand the process of occupational therapists who shift their professional identity from being a clinician to a researcher.
Method: Purposive and snowballing sampling was used to recruit occupational therapy clinicians who transitioned into roles where they spend the majority of their time conducting research. Data was collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed following Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory method.
Results: Moving from occupational therapy clinician to researcher is a journey initiated by a spark of interest that causes an innate need to discover the best interventions. The process is shaped by external influences that facilitate research and are tied to underlying threads of possessing a strong character and having an affinity for the research process.
Conclusion: The journey from clinician to researcher is a winding path influenced by internal and external factors. Understanding occupational therapy researchers’ unique experiences can help guide the profession in creating supports to make a career in research more accessible to clinicians
The Urgent Need for Global Nuclear Disarmament: An Occupational Therapy Perspective
Get PDFThe risk of nuclear war, exacerbated by recent global conflict, poses an existential threat to humanity and undermines the ability of individuals and communities to engage in meaningful occupation. This article argues that occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants have a role to play in supporting global nuclear disarmament and that such efforts align with both our ethical responsibilities and scope of practice. It explores the profound impact of nuclear weapons on health and well-being, emphasizing the relevance of this issue to occupational therapy. The article outlines practical strategies for occupational therapists to engage in advocacy, including public education campaigns, professional alignment with disarmament organizations, and direct support for affected communities. By advocating for nuclear disarmament, occupational therapists can uphold their commitment to enhancing global health and participation, contributing to a safer and more peaceful world. This call to action highlights the role of occupational therapy in addressing the catastrophic potential of nuclear weapons and promoting a future where everyone can safely and meaningfully engage in their daily lives