An overview of the UTHSCSA OT Department's Community Service Learning Course in Belize

1. A Whole New Light: Partnering with International Organizations Alison J. Beck, PhD, OTR Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, PhD, OTR, 4 th Annual Community Service Learning Conference April 7, 2011

4. Blurred Boundaries? Service-Learning Clinical Fieldwork Focus Community partnership Professional development Process - reflection Outcome - mastery Roles Instructor is partner/guide Instructor directs learning/authoritative role Student is assisted to be a community advocate for social change Student is assisted to be a health professional Process Community centered Education centered Needs analysis on site Predetermined by school and fieldwork educator Adapted from: P. Crist (2011) . Involve me and I understand. In Flecky & Gitlow (Eds), Service-Learning in Occupational Therapy Education: Philosophy and Practice (pp.275-288). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

7. Timeline for course development Date Activity March 2009 Initial contact made with potential third party vendor April – July 2009 Development of schedule to visit health service providers August 2009 Exploratory visit conducted September 2009 Development of SHP International program proposal October 2009 Presentation of proposal to SHP Faculty Council November 2009 Recruitment of students began January – May 2010 Development of course with registrar Ongoing contact with vendor to coordinate Course planning meetings with students intending to participate Meetings with Harlan Smith, UTHSCSA Director of International Services May 2010 Finalized travel arrangements July 2010 Pre-departure orientation with Mr. Smith August 2010 Course conducted in Belize

17. Student Reflections