Evaluating Experiential Learning by Physical Therapy Students: The Molly Experience

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: Physical therapy (PT) students at Slippery Rock University (SRU) complete didactic and clinical education coursework. Generally, the didactic portion does not afford students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills with individuals who present with authentic impairments. Through a collaborative relationship, second year PT students were mentored by 2 graduate assistants in examining and treating Molly, a 26-year-old female with cerebral palsy, for 4 hours over 2-semesters as part of the neuromuscular curriculum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the students' perspective of the effectiveness of this experiential learning opportunity in academic preparation for clinical education and work. SUBJECTS Invitation to participate in this research study was sent to SRU PT students in the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022. A total of 140 students were invited with 63 participating in the study. Graduate assistants who performed the peer mentoring and investigators of this study were excluded from participation. METHODS: A mixed methods study was employed using a convenience sample. A peer reviewed, 26 question survey was developed by investigators using keywords from the domains of learning, a Likert scale, and open-ended questions. Students were invited to complete the survey via the Qualtrics platform. Survey data was analyzed by frequency and themes, collectively and by 4 subgroupings of respondents .RESULTS: The Molly Experience was perceived as valuable by 62 of the 63 students quantitatively based on closed-ended responses. Qualitatively, 27 participants expressed positive comments on the value of the Molly experience with many of them stating that it prepared them for clinical education and future careers.CONCLUSION: This experiential learning activity was perceived as a valuable learning experience that incorporates facets of numerous courses in the PT curriculum. The investigators recommend this activity continue for future classes.