Curriculum transformation: a proposed route to reflect a political consciousness in occupational therapy education
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa
Abstract
Introduction: Curriculum review is an ongoing, dynamic, long-term process that forms part of occupational therapy education. The
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape (UWC) recently responded to the challenge of becoming
socially responsive and politically relevant by engaging in curriculum review. The review revealed that political reasoning was not clearly
delineated previously in the curriculum. In response to this problem, over a period of several years we engaged in a process of curriculum
transformation so that students become politically conscious.
Methods: The process entailed environmental scanning, feedback from teaching staff and clinicians, students’ evaluations, regular
curriculum revision meetings, academic development meetings, workshops and seminars. A qualitative study using a cooperative enquiry
approach was conducted to analyse the data.
Findings: From the analysis the following themes emerged: (1) identifying the essence of occupational therapy education at UWC, (2)
understanding political practice on a theoretical and then a personal level, (3) integrating and operationalising political consciousness
into the curriculum. We discuss the debates and critical questions raised in our efforts to develop a curriculum that prepares graduates
to be politically conscious and socially responsive. Finally, we present key strategies for the way forward.
Conclusion: Curriculum transformation around a political practice of occupational therapy does not merely mean just a change in
curriculum content, but requires the internalisation of a political consciousness by educators individually and collectively.
Description
Keywords
Occupational therapy education, Curriculum transformation, Political consciousness, Graduate attributes
Citation
De Jongh, J., Hess-April, L. & Wegner, L. (2012). Curriculum transformation: a proposed route to reflect a political consciousness in occupational therapy education. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 42(1):16-20