Date of Defense
4-19-2017
Date of Graduation
4-2017
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Ben Atchison
Second Advisor
Michelle Suarez
Abstract
This study analyzes student perspectives of and experiences with mentoring relationships during didactic undergraduate coursework in the 4+1 Occupational Therapy Program at Western Michigan University. It follows a qualitative semi-structured phenomenological interview methodology. Four participants answered several questions and the analysts constructed and extracted several common themes; 1) mentoring is a respectful and reciprocal relationship, 2) there are different styles and approaches based on a range of factors, 3) mentorship allows a mentee to reflect, define themselves, and pay it forward in their futures, and 4) there are a variety of notable characteristics underlying strong relationships. This information has the potential to inform future approaches to mentorship within this and other undergraduate programs, as well as forms a catalyst for continued research and comparison across disciplines.
Recommended Citation
Nykiel, Tara, "A qualitative study of occupational therapy student experiences with faculty mentorship during didactic undergraduate coursework at Western Michigan University: A pilot study" (2017). Honors Theses. 2840.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/2840
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Restricted