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Brown T, Robinson L, Gledhill K, Yu ML, Isbel S, Greber C, Parsons D, Etherington J. Predictors of undergraduate occupational therapy students' academic performance during the Covid-19 pandemic: A hierarchical regression analysis. Scand J Occup Ther 2022; 30:475-487. [PMID: 36121118 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2022.2123854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid switch to online learning in response to the Covid-19 pandemic affected occupational therapy students' education delivery. It is, therefore, important to investigate these impacts. AIMS/OBJECTIVES This study investigated the potential predictors of academic performance in undergraduate occupational therapy students after moving to online or blended learning post-Covid-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 208 students from three Australian universities completed a demographic questionnaire and the Distance Education Learning Environment Scale (DELES). Hierarchical linear regression analyses were completed to identify significant students' academic performance predictors. RESULTS Hierarchical regression explained a cumulative total variance of 24.6% of students' academic performance. The following independent variables were significant predictors: DELES student autonomy (p = 0.033), number of hours per semester week dedicated to indirect online study (p = 0.003), number of hours per semester week dedicated to indirect offline study time (p = 0.034), gender (p = 0.005) and English as a first language (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS The findings add to the knowledge base on the range of factors that have impacted occupational therapy students' academic performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. SIGNIFICANCE The outcomes will assist faculty in developing supportive and pedagogically sound learning modes across online, hybrid and traditional forms of instruction within occupational therapy curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Brown
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Luke Robinson
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Kate Gledhill
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Mong-Lin Yu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Stephen Isbel
- Occupational Therapy Program, Faculty of Health, The University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Craig Greber
- Occupational Therapy Program, Faculty of Health, The University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Dave Parsons
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Jamie Etherington
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
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Brown T, Robinson L, Gledhill K, Yu ML, Isbel S, Greber C, Parsons D, Etherington J. 'Learning in and out of lockdown': A comparison of two groups of undergraduate occupational therapy students' engagement in online-only and blended education approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aust Occup Ther J 2022; 69:301-315. [PMID: 35233780 PMCID: PMC9111320 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In many countries, the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in sudden changes to the delivery of health professions education in response to local and national lockdowns. Within occupational therapy, university education programs traditionally delivered in face‐to‐face classroom, and clinical settings, the transition to online learning presented unique issues and challenges for faculty and students. This study compared the experiences and perceptions of learning in two groups of occupational therapy students during the pandemic: one group converted to online learning only and the other had a blended approach that combined face‐to‐face on‐campus learning with some online lecture content delivery. Methods Two hundred and eight (n = 208) undergraduate occupational therapy students from three Australian universities completed an online self‐report demographic questionnaire and two standardised instruments: the Student Engagement in the e‐Learning Environment Scale and the Distance Education Learning Environment Scale. An independent‐samples t test with bootstrapping was completed to examine differences in students' scores. Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the online and blended learning groups across a range of the SELES and DELES subscales. The strongest findings related to psychological motivation (p = 0.001), personal relevance (p = 0.001), interactions with instructors (p = 0.002), instructor support (p = 0.001), student interaction & collaboration (p = 0.001), and cognitive problem solving (p = 0.001). Conclusion Occupational therapy students who transitioned to online‐only learning experienced higher levels of motivation, interactions with instructors and peers, and self‐directed learning than students who experienced a blended education delivery approach of face‐to‐face and online learning. The findings extend educators' understanding of the matrix of factors that have impacted students' education during COVID‐19 and support the development of contemporary and pedagogically sound online and traditional modes of occupational therapy instruction. The results provide evidence of the importance of well‐structured programs that facilitate active and flexible learning, provide meaningful and positive experiences, and promote initiatives safeguarding social and personal well‐being. Further research in this area is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Brown
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luke Robinson
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Gledhill
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mong-Lin Yu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Isbel
- Occupational Therapy Program, Faculty of Health, The University of Canberra Hospital, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Craig Greber
- Occupational Therapy Program, Faculty of Health, The University of Canberra Hospital, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Dave Parsons
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jamie Etherington
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
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Online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic: the experiences and perceptions of undergraduate occupational therapy students at two Australian universities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/ijhp-2021-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate if first-year occupational therapy students who have had no on-campus, face-to-face learning experiences differed from second-, third- and fourth-year students in their perceptions and experiences of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods
One hundred and fifty-one occupational therapy undergraduate students (80.8% female; 66.2% 20–24 old) completed the Student Engagement in the e-Learning Environment Scale (SELES) and the Distance Education Learning Environment Scale (DELES). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with bootstrapping was completed to examine the differences between first-year and senior students’ perceptions and experiences of online learning.
Results
Significant differences were observed across several SELES and DELES scales: peer collaboration (SELES) (p = .001), interactions with instructors (SELES) (p = .026), student interaction and collaboration (DELES) (p = .003), authentic learning (DELES) (p = .026) and active learning (DELES) (p = .013).
Conclusion
The findings demonstrate significant differences in first-year and senior students’ perceptions and experiences of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The outcomes highlight the importance of facilitating collaborative and active engagement for all students by implementing academic, technological and social support measures within occupational therapy curricula.
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Wimpenny K, Lewis L, Roe S, Désiron H, Gordon I, Waters S. Preparation for an uncertain world: international curriculum development for mental health occupational therapy. WORLD FEDERATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BULLETIN 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/14473828.2016.1161960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Mu K, Coppard BM, Bracciano AG, Bradberry JC. Comparison of on-campus and hybrid student outcomes in occupational therapy doctoral education. Am J Occup Ther 2014; 68 Suppl 2:S51-6. [PMID: 25397939 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2014.685s02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the graduate outcomes of doctoral students in a traditional on-campus occupational therapy program with those in a hybrid program. Participants were 81 students from an on-campus program and 13 students from a hybrid program. Graduate outcomes were measured with student grade-point average (GPA) at the end of each academic year, cumulative GPA, Fieldwork Performance Exam, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) practice exam scores, and final NBCOT pass rate. Consistent with previous research, our results revealed no significant differences on most outcome variables, suggesting that hybrid programs are an effective delivery model for postsecondary higher education. These findings may provide guidance to occupational therapy programs in curriculum design, content delivery, and program refinement and development. Replication of this study is needed with a larger sample and inclusion of qualitative data. Future studies should compare the affective domain of graduate outcomes in on-campus and online or hybrid programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Mu
- Keli Mu, PhD, OTR/L, is Chair and Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178;
| | - Brenda M Coppard
- Brenda M. Coppard, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor and Associate Dean, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
| | - Al G Bracciano
- Al G. Bracciano, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
| | - J Chris Bradberry
- J. Chris Bradberry, PharmD, CLS, is Dean, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
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