Integrating Basic and Advanced Fieldwork With Academic Coursework

This paper presents a model for integrating academic and clinical learning in allied health. In this model (which is based on the TAR - teaching, application, reinforcement - approach) two levels of fieldwork are used: an introductory level which begins prior to and continues throughout a theory course, and an advanced level which follows successful completion of that course. Both levels are linked to the theory course through a series of workbooks, clinical exercises, and seminars. The introductory level fieldwork begins as a one-week full-time clinical placement, with structured activities focusing on the observation of five basic concepts. These concepts are then explored theoretically in the first part of the theory course, applied during the weekly continuation of the introductory fieldwork, and reinforced in a weekly seminar. Mastery of the five basic concepts provides a foundation for related advanced concepts presented in the latter part of the theory course, applied through specific assignments at the advanced level of fieldwork, and reinforced in a biweekly college seminar concurrent with the three-month fieldwork.