The document discusses enhancing occupational therapy education outcomes through the intentional introduction of a curriculum model graphic (CMG). It describes how the occupational therapy program developed a graphic to depict their curriculum model and has begun intentionally introducing it to current students. Examples of how the CMG has been used include small group exploration of its meaning and incorporating it into case study assignments. Faculty report benefits like repetition of material, active student engagement, making content more relevant, and providing a holistic view of clients.

1. Enhancing Occupational Therapy Education Outcomes:
Intentional Introduction of a Curriculum Model Graphic
Cynthia Bell, PhD, OTR/L & Megan Edwards PhD, OTR/L
References
Feinberg School of Medicine (2014). Curricular Threads. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine website. Retrieved on January 12, 2015 from
http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/education/curriculum/model/threads/index.html
Law, M,. Cooper, B, Strong, S., Stewart, D., Rigby, P. & Letts, L. (1996). The person-environment-occupation model: A transactional approach to occupational performance.
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 63(1) 9-2.
DO NOT COPY WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHORS. Contact bellcs@wssu.edu for requests.
Background:
• One way to fully integrate the curriculum model was to develop a Curriculum Model Graphic (CMG) that would be intentionally introduced into courses as a curricular thread
• "A curricular thread is a mini-element that is spread out at punctuated intervals throughout the curriculum. Its purpose is to unite a unique set of information that has influence
over the other sets of knowledge that the students are studying” (Feinberg Scholl of Medicine, 2014)
• Faculty members worked with university marketing staff to develop a graphic depiction of the model
• The OT program has begun the intentional introduction of the CMG with current students and is evaluating the effects on learning outcomes
• Examples include: small group exploration of the meaning of the CMG; and progressing into case study assignments thereafter
Movement Components of Occupation Course
Analysis of Occupation Course OT Faculty Course Worksheet
Benefits of intentional
use of the CMG
• Repetition of material
• Active student engagement
and application of material in
new and diverse ways
• Made assignments and
classroom content more
relevant and applicable
• Provided students the
opportunity to view clients
from a more holistic
perspective
Curriculum Model Graphic (CMG)