Evolution of a Revolution in Occupational Therapy Education

Abstract

This issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy reflects an increase in the quantity and quality of scholarly projects submitted for publication in this special issue. The positive response to the call for papers is evidence of the focused interest that faculty, both academic and clinical, and practitioners have brought to their work of educating and preparing the next generation of occupational therapists. This article discusses educational issues from academic, student, and fieldwork points of view, further validating the pervasive commitment that is being made to further understanding of how occupational therapists are educated. The articles cover topics including the critical issues of curriculum, value and timing of fieldwork and simulation experiences, and documentation of strategies to measure the effects of comparative educational experiences.

Broadening the Scope and Impact of Occupational Therapy Education Research by Merging Two Research Agendas: A New Research Agenda Matrix

“…However, in recent years, education leaders in occupational therapy have inferred that research and scholarship are evolving. Burke and Harvison (2015) observed "an uptick in the quantity and quality of scholarly projects" (p. 1), referring to research papers presented at two national education conferences and published in two journal supplements on education.…”