Keeping it Real: Enhancing Pediatric Experiential Learning

Experiential learning, in which students design and implement experiences that engage a child in meaningful activities, is an essential concept of best practice in pediatric teaching and learning. Experiential learning can help PT and PTA faculty build creative partnerships among academic programs, community members, and families, instill a family-centered care culture, promote student adaptability, and inspire learning in pediatric physical therapy. There are challenges to using these innovative, creative teaching and learning strategies. This learning session will bridge the gap in translating this knowledge into action for pediatric physical therapy educators. The purpose of this course is to provide educators with strategies they can employ to promote excellence in their pediatric physical therapy education curriculum. The interactive presentation will begin with a brief literature review to support experiential learning opportunities. Participants will evaluate the degree to which they incorporate these recommendations into their current programs and assess the facilitators and barriers impacting the implementation of experiential learning at the organization and program levels. Experiential learning designs will be described, emphasizing incorporating child and family as teachers. The presenters will share various examples of pediatric experiential learning currently used within a DPT program across different instructional approaches. Participants will collaborate with peers and the presenters to create an initial plan for experiential learning opportunities or to enhance their respective programs. Our goal is for participants to feel confident enhancing their pediatric physical therapy content delivery regardless of their programmatic resources.