The Use of Experiential Learning in an Occupational Therapy Program: Can it Foster Skills for Clinical Practice?

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effectiveness of the integration of experiential learning opportunities near the end of the occupational therapy students' didactic education. Using a pretest-post-test questionnaire, journaling, and feedback from a focus group, results suggested that there was a significant improvement in occupational therapy students' self-perception of their ability to perform a multitude of occupational therapy-related skills. The development of professional skills was also seen in the provision of client-centered care during occupational therapy interventions. Although clinical reasoning skills were enhanced, results indicated that it had a large impact on the students' professional growth and development.