Course Assessment Report
Western Massage 1 (HA-102)
Isabella Lizzul
Fall 2013
1. Student Learning Outcomes
a. Using self-care practices.
b. Practical skills in Swedish massage movements, including gliding, kneading,
percussion , friction, vibration and compression.
c. Practical skills in palpation, proper body mechanics, proper draping and bolstering
while client is supine and prone.
d. Identifying the effects of basic massage applications.
e. Describing the benefits, precautions and contraindications of Western massage along
with basic therapist/client interactions necessary to maintain a safe and comfortable
massage environment.
f. Practicing proper hygiene.
g. Setting up, adjusting, taking down and storing massage table safely.
h. Differentiating among oils, lotions, creams, gels and powders in massage.
General Education Objectives Related to Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Communicate effectively through writing, listening and speaking
- Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to
make informed decisions
- Integrate knowledge and skills in their program of study
2. Assignments Completed by Students
Students were given 3 quizzes and a written multiple choice exam based on text book
readings. Students were also given a practical midterm and final demonstrating their
beginning Western Massage I technique skills. The skills assessed were: use of self-care
practices, professional demeanor, draping /bolstering, effective communication, body
mechanics/appropriate table height, cautions/contraindications/endangerment sites, and
strokes/timing/flow. Students completed 12 personal reflective journals describing their
experiences in their first semester of the massage therapy program.
3. Evidence used to Determine Students Achievements
Each quiz contained 20 multiple choice questions based on class reading assignments
from the textbook. The midterm was cumulative comprised of 50 multiple choice
questions based on both in class discussions and textbook readings. In addition, a
midterm and final practical evaluation was administered. The journals were used as a
reflective tool. The submission of the journals and class discussion served as a vehicle to
help students focus on and enrich their learning experience.
4. Summary of Assessment Results
Rubrics were given to students at the beginning of the semester. Rubrics were both
formative and summative to gage student’s progress. All students made progress because
of the multifaceted nature of the skills inherent in the massage therapy discipline. The
majority of the students had an excellent grasp of both the textbook material and handson practical aspect. The quality of their performance from the midterm to the final
reflected an increase in their comprehension of the art and science of massage therapy.
5. Assessment Results Affects on the Student Learning Outcomes
a. Using self-care practices. Students used breathing, meditative and postural self-care.
b. Practical skills in Swedish massage movements, including gliding, kneading,
percussion , friction, vibration and compression. Students demonstrated the incorporation
of these techniques into their 1-hour massages.
c. Practical skills in palpation, proper body mechanics, proper draping and bolstering
while client is supine and prone. Students incorporated these skills in their massages.
d. Identifying the effects of basic massage applications. Verbal and written responses
were shared by the class, revealing the effects of massage therapy.
e. Describing the benefits, precautions and contraindications of Western massage along
with basic therapist/client interactions necessary to maintain a safe and comfortable
massage environment. I continually took these considerations into account, sharing them
with students to increase their skills in caring for individuals. Students were cautious and
caring in their massage work throughout the semester.
f. Practicing proper hygiene. Hand washing was practiced before and after each massage,
as well as proper clothing and handling of oil, lotions and sheets.
g. Setting up, adjusting, taking down and storing massage table safely. Each student
became quite adept at handling the massage tables and supplies.
h. Differentiating among oils, lotions, creams, gels and powders in massage. Yes,
ongoing discussion and practice was experienced throughout the semester.
All aspects of the learning outcomes were satisfactorily achieved. Massage therapy
students began the course without the knowledge or skills to administer a one hour
Western Massage. At the time of the midterm their skill and comfort level were evolving.
By the time of the final the students displayed confidence in self-care, proper use of
massage techniques demonstrating a smooth flow, rhythm and complete strokes. Each
student was capable of giving a one hour full body Western Massage.
The course will continue to be assessed. Changes will be made according to the
needs of future classes.