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Public Service:
Learning through Reflection
Careful consideration and examination of the Service Learning experience is done through keeping journals and participating in group mentoring sessions held weekly at Tufts-BSOT. One focus of the mentoring group is occupational therapy and the application of
The Functional Group Model (Howe & Schwartzberg, 2001, 1995) to the experience. The mentoring group is a forum for direct feedback and support to facilitate identifying needs and achieving goals as learners. The Group Practicum course materials and assignments promote self-assessment and evaluation of skills in planning and leading a group in a community setting.
"Each week I was able to share with other students, a teaching assistant, and the BSOT faculty about my struggles and successes in co-leading a group with people living with Alzheimers/dementia.
I found this support and feedback to be invaluable. The mentoring group allowed
me to explore my strengths and weaknesses in professional communication,
especially my skills in assertiveness. I really enjoyed the experience!"
--Nancy Hilles; Co-led a group for elders with Alzheimers/Dementia
The collaborative process of the community-based service learning experience offers the opportunity for occupational therapy theories and principles learned in the classroom to be applied to real life situations. This collaborative process provides a meaningful avenue for learning and developing leadership skills that incorporate sensitivity to the needs of the agencies and their members.
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