Up Bloom’s pyramid with slices of Fink’s pie: Mapping an occupational therapy curriculum

Credentials Display

Susan Burwash, PhD, OTR/L; Roberta Snover, Dr.OT, OTR/L; Robert Krueger, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Abstract

Curriculum design is a complex task. One tool used in the design process is curriculum mapping. A mandated transition from a quarter to a semester academic calendar, alongside preparation of accreditation self-study materials, provided an opportunity for faculty teaching in an entry-level occupational therapy program to review the underlying basis of the curriculum. Two taxonomies of learning (Bloom’s cognitive domain and Fink’s taxonomy of significant learning experiences) were used to examine existing courses and to consider how learning outcomes and experiences varied over the sequence of courses in the curriculum. This led to the creation of a series of course maps that have been useful in informing current curriculum design and guiding future work. In this article, the authors describe the context under which this review took place, briefly review the pertinent literature relating to curriculum design and mapping in occupational therapy education, discuss the mapping process, and provide examples of course maps. The authors reflect on the process and plans for using what was learned in future curricular design projects.

Recommended Citation

Burwash, S. C., Snover, R., & Krueger, R. (2016). Up Bloom’s pyramid with slices of Fink’s pie: Mapping an occupational therapy curriculum. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1235