CHCS - Perspectives - Summer/Fall 2014

PERSPECTIVES • SUMMER–FALL 2014 58 the afternoon I tend to get lazy. By studying during my peak hours, I am more efficient and can get more accom- plished within that timeframe. MB: How has being in the Hybrid D.P.T. Program influenced your attributes as a learner? In what ways might your learning strategies carry over into your role as a future physical therapist? JT: The program is designed to facili- tate the attributes of an adult learner. A hybrid D.P.T. program requires learning and studying to be more independent and active, self-initiated, and less formal than any other school structure I have experi- enced. For example, labs in my under- graduate program were very structured and had specific procedures and guide- lines to follow. In the Hybrid D.P.T. Pro- gram, however, there is some structure and goals that are to be accomplished during lab, but most of the time it is stu- dent directed, using the professors as fa- cilitators. This has enhanced my ability to take charge and direct my own learning. I think because of the nature of our program, I have become better at time management and have become much more of an active learner. I also feel that the program has more material that is re- lated to a problem, a person, or a need, which enhances my learning even more. For example, assignments and skills checks are presented as case studies, which I prefer over journals or quizzes because I love the thought process and walking through a case I will likely be presented with in the future. This also al- lows me to draw on past experiences and material to synthesize my learning. A couple of learning attributes that can often be forgotten are receiving feedback and working in groups. Our program al- ways provides opportunities to receive feedback, whether it is during a skills check or in lab as we are practicing skills. Working in groups also provides a great learning experience. While it can be a challenge to work in a group, especially in a hybrid program, it is good to hear your peers’ ideas, insights, and knowledge, which can enhance your learning. As I progress through the program and improve my attributes as a learner, I know I can take these strategies with me in the future. I believe my abilities to take an active role, self-initiate, manage my time, and problem solve will definitely help me as a physical therapist in the fu- ture. When it comes to being a physical therapist, I am going to have to take an active role in the patients’ treatment, ini- tiate their recovery program, balance my time with patients and a patient schedule, and use critical-thinking skills to deter- mine the best plan of care for the pa- tient. Utilizing my peers and feedback from patients and coworkers will only en- hance my ability to give the best treat- ment possible. MB: How can you learn the hands- on skills of being a PT when you are in the PT labs only four days per month? JT: Learning the hands-on skills takes more than being in lab. It takes a lot of practice outside of the lab room, regard- less of the program. I think our hybrid program does a good job of utilizing pic- ture and video blog assignments to en- sure we are practicing on our own. For example, one of our professors who taught our anatomy palpation class as- signed a picture assignment every week for the segment of the body we were covering. She also implemented video as- signments in which we had to pinpoint and explain how to find a list of land- marks for our peers to watch. These as- signments helped us practice and receive feedback off campus. I feel that my peers and I do a good job of utilizing friends and family to practice at home, and then utilizing our time on campus to fine tune our techniques on each other and get feedback from our peers and professors. I think our lab time is well spent because we have practiced in ad- vance and know we have limited time on campus. MB: Students in NSU’s traditional health professions programs form a strong bond because they spend five days per week together in classes and labs. How do you and your peers stay connected with one another and to the faculty? JT: Our class has found several ways to stay connected and bond on and off campus. We have our own Facebook page and utilize Google Hangouts, text, snapchat, email, Instagram, etc., to stay in touch. We also stay connected with our professors through email, text, phone, or Skype. I think we have mas- tered a way to bond through the virtual world. Several people post to the Face- book page for classwork, questions, and comic relief throughout our time off campus. I share a hotel room with the same classmates every institute, so I have definitely bonded with them and look forward to seeing them when I land in Florida. We also make it a point to have what we call family dinner every institute and one dinner out together to take a study break and enjoy each other’s com- pany. Many of our classmates also try to plan activities or ways get together the last day of campus to hang out with each other and relax from a stressful weekend. PHYSICAL THERAPY Tampa ...Continued from the previous page