Page 146 - 2020-2021 Catalog June

fulfillment. The roles one fulfills are shaped by the physical and social environment in which the
person lives. The environment is constantly changing and survival is dependent on one’s ability
to adapt. Humans are biopsychosocial beings and what affects one area of life affects all areas.
Because humans are dynamic beings, dysfunction affects the whole person—their roles,
relationships and place in society. As an American society, the ill, the disabled, the elderly and
the dying are often disenfranchised because their contribution to society is no longer evident.
When contributions to society are no longer recognized, purpose in life is negated.

It is the belief of the BHCLR - School of Occupational Therapy Assistant that the field of
occupational therapy has a responsibility to change this mindset. We believe it is our
responsibility to teach others to see the value in all life and to help people adapt to whatever
changes they face. By adapting to change rather than retreating, one can continue to participate in
occupations and fulfill societal roles, allowing for a sense of purpose in life. As occupational
therapy assistants, Christian compassion should guide us as we help others make these
adaptations because “care of the whole person, body mind and spirit is an expression of the
Christian faith. We are instruments of God’s restorative power and are responsible for giving
compassionate care.”

Institutional Culture for Learning
The faculty believes that learning is best accomplished in an atmosphere of trust, teamwork,
responsibility, creativeness and openness. An emphasis on Christian ideals and attitudes assists
in the development of positive personal and professional relationships. As a part of the Baptist
Health System, students are not required to profess Christianity but are expected to uphold the
values of the System—service, honesty, respect, stewardship and performance.

Service - students are expected to have a desire and commitment to serve others.

Honesty - students are expected to adhere to the moral values of fairness, integrity and honor in
all relationships.

Respect – students are expected to treat all individuals with courtesy, thoughtfulness and dignity,
compassion and concern.

Stewardship – students are expected to use talents and resources in an effective and efficient
manner.

Performance – students are expected to perform at the highest possible level but never at the
expense of the values of the organization. This includes initiative, dedication, talent and
knowledge tempered by common sense. Innovation and progress should prevail over
complacency and mediocrity.

Student Learning
Learning is a multifaceted process and early introduction to the principles and standards of the
chosen field promotes optimal learning. Learners have a greater comprehension of knowledge
that is integrated throughout the curriculum by layering, revisiting and reinforcing principles and
skills. Bloom’s revised taxonomy (Forehand, 2005) teaches us that principles and skills are
learned through a process of simple to complex. Basic learning takes place when an individual
demonstrates the ability to remember information; learning progresses and holds meaning for the
individual as information is understood, applied, analyzed, evaluated and created. Students learn
basic concepts and build upon them; as new concepts are introduced students again revert to the
basic concepts level. Therefore, as each new skill or concept is introduced, students potentially

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