A pedagogical investigation of an occupation focused teaching tool

Howarth, Joan (2016) A pedagogical investigation of an occupation focused teaching tool. In: College of Occupational Therapists 40th annual conference and exhibition, 28-30 June 2016, Harrogate, UK. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Hocking (2009) identified that a more comprehensive understanding of occupation has to be developed in order to further understand the interdependent relationship between occupation, health and well-being. Entwistle (2009) identified that developing understanding is distinguishable from having factual knowledge of a subject. Understanding is ... being able to provide a convincing explanation and to adapt ideas flexibly for use in varying and in novel contexts ... (Entwistle, 2009, p. 50). Newton (2012) identified that understanding cannot be transmitted rather students have to be enabled to construct their own understanding. This can be supported by ... engaging the learner with the topic in ways that are likely to produce appropriate inferences, order and harmony amongst the mental elements. (Newton, 2012, p. 34). However, there are a number of challenges faced by educators who aim to develop students’ understanding. Challenges include occupation’s complex and multifaceted nature, the interchangeable use of terminology within professional literature, and definitions focused on what occupations give rather than on what occupation is (Wilcock, 1993 Russell, 2008). This paper presents initial findings of a PhD study focused on a critical investigation of a newly developed ‘occupation’ teaching tool. The study is informed by a grounded theory approach and uses semi-structured observations to critically investigate the impact of the teaching tool on student learning and development of their understanding. Ethical approval was sought and gained from one U.K. HEI for this element of the study. Initial findings indicate the use of the teaching tool positively facilitates development of students’ understanding of the concept of occupation by providing a physical model of the concept. Use of a physical tool provides visual identification of the multiple dimensions of occupation and assists students in constructing an understanding of the complex dynamic nature of occupation.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Departments:	Academic Departments > Health, Psychology & Social Studies (HPSS) > Rehabilitation
Additional Information:	Joan Howarth is a part time PhD student at the University of Cumbria (commenced 2013), focusing on critically investigating an occupation focused teaching tool.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2017 10:59
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 15:47
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/2590

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