Date of Award

6-2020

Document Status

Open Access

Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Occupational Therapy (M.S.)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Breanna Chycinski

Second Advisor

Kristin Willey

Abstract

Background. Occupational therapy (OT) students are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities throughout their Level II Fieldwork experiences; however, it has been reported that students lack this quality. The purpose of this project was to identify the leadership characteristics that master’s-level OT students demonstrate and develop during their Level II Fieldwork experiences.

Method. This study utilized an online survey tool, Qualtrics, to understand the perceptions of Fieldwork Educators (FWEds) who have taken a Level II Fieldwork student within the past five years. A code-recode procedure was used to analyze open-ended questions. The frequency and mode of responses were used to report the results of the Likert-scale questions.

Results. A total of 25 participants completed the survey. FWEds reported that their students are effective communicators, show respect for employees in the workplace, and respond to constructive criticism. Areas of improvement for the students include seeking out resources to drive the action for change, taking risks by sharing new approaches, and taking on leadership roles by implementing new protocols.

Conclusion. This study has identified students’ areas of strength and areas that need improvement in regards to developing leadership qualities throughout their Level II Fieldwork experiences.

Available for download on Friday, June 30, 2023

Share

COinS