TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY SYLLABUS
School of Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy Program
Semester: Level 2 Fieldwork (FW2) follows AOTA’s Year: 2016-2017
quarterly schedule. Most students complete the
first FW2 placement in Summer and the second in
Fall. Actual dates are posted online.
Course Numbers & Titles:
OT 5916 and OT 5926 Adaptation to Physical Challenges in Adult Years I & II
OT 5936 and OT 5946 Adaptation to Psychosocial Challenges Across the Life Span I & II
OT 5956 and OT 5966 Adaptations to Physical or Psychosocial Challenges in Early Years I & II
OT 5976 and OT 5986 Alternative Clinical Experience I & II
Each student completes two, full-time 12 week rotations. Each student complete s 12 weeks in OT
5916/5926. An additional 12 weeks is completed in either OT 5936/5946, OT 5956/5966 or OT
5976/5986.
Course Description and Overview: Level 2 Fieldwork courses provide students with the final and
most extensive opportunity to integrate theory and practice with skill development in the delivery of
occupational therapy services. This continuous, sustained, in-depth experience provides an avenue
for display of professional values, clinical reasoning, professional performance skills and professional
knowledge.
Fieldwork is a full-time 12-week practicum experience that averages approximately 40 hours per
week on-site. Fieldwork is undertaken after the successful completion of all didactic coursework and
must be completed within 24 months following completion of the MOT academic program.
This course fulfills Major Requirements in the MOT Curriculum.
Faculty Contact Information:
Name of Instructor: Shannon Levandowski, OTD, OTR, BCP, SCSS Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Office Location: MCL 814
Office Phone Number: 940-898-2814
Office Hours: Fieldwork occurs off campus at select clinical and practice settings. The AFWC is
available to MOT students from all campuses via phone, email and Blackboard.
Email Address: slevandowski@twu.edu
** Email will receive the quickest response **
Goals and Outcomes:
Fieldwork 2 Course Objectives:
Within the context of the fieldwork site, and as appropriate to the individuals served, the student
will…
 articulate and apply the basic tenets of occupational therapy in the provision of services
 articulate and apply appropriate theories, model of practice and frames of reference in the
provision of OT evaluation and intervention
 select, apply, interpret and document standardized and non-standardized screening and
assessment tools
 develop and implement therapeutic intervention plans based on various models and frames of
reference in OT practice

design and delivery occupational therapy services in a fashion consistent with the contexts in
which the services are to be provided
 use current research and professional literature to aid decision making in the design and delivery
of services
 demonstrate professional behaviors as indicated on TWU’s Professional Behavior Development
Evaluation and AOTA’s FWPE
 develop entry level competencies by the end of the FW2 experience as defined by achieving the
minimal passing score or above on the AOTA Level II Fieldwork Evaluation.
 assume full client caseload, as defined by fieldwork site, by the end of the experience.
 submit correct and complete documentation in a timely manner, according to the policies and
procedures of the facility
 follow all policies and procedures as directed by the fieldwork sites and School
 take initiative in exploring learning opportunities
 actively participate in the supervisory process
 utilize available resources when planning and performing assigned duties
Additionally, each fieldwork placement has site-specific objectives that reflect the clinical and
professional requirements of their particular practice setting, facility, and patient population. These
are posted online in Blackboard in FW2 Site Information.
Specific Content Areas Addressed Include:
Regardless of setting, each student is expected to engage in the basic occupational therapy process
which includes adhering to the fundamentals of ethical, safe practice; supporting the basic tenets of
occupational therapy by incorporating meaningful occupations; evaluating clients for services;
prioritizing goals; planning and delivering therapeutic interventions; documenting response to
services; managing efficient, cost-effective OT services; communicating and behaving professionally
with clients and other disciplines.
Course Materials and Supplies:
Course Materials: Various assessment and rehabilitative equipment and supplies as appropriate to
the clientele and practice setting are provided on-site.
Textbooks: Napier, B. (2011). Occupational therapy fieldwork survival guide: A student planner.
Bethesda, MA: AOTA Press.
Supplies: Students are responsible for having access to appropriate textbooks and resources
available during fieldwork, as well as providing lab coats, scrubs or nametags as required by the site.
Unless otherwise specified by the site, dress code requirements are outlined in the TWU MOT Student
Handbook. Dress codes and pre-placement requirements specific to the site are posted in
Blackboard. Students must have regular access to a computer so they can access and participate in
FW2 Blackboard and Discussion Board assignments.
Disability Support Policy Statement: If you anticipate the need for reasonable accommodations to meet
the requirements of this course, you must register with the office of Disability Support Services (CFO
106, 940-898-3835, dss@twu.edu ) in order to obtain the required official notification of your
accommodation needs. Please plan to meet with The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator by appointment
prior to the start of your fieldwork placement to discuss approved accommodations and how fieldwork
requirements and activities may impact your ability to fully participate. Not all accommodations
available in the classroom are available in a real-life clinical fieldwork setting.
Academic Integrity: Honesty in completing assignments is essential to the mission of the University and
to the development of the personal integrity of students. In submitting assignments, students affirm
that they have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance, and that they have abided by all
other provisions of the Code of Conduct in the TWU Student Handbook. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication
or other kinds of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate sanctions that
may include failing an assignment, failing the class, or being suspended or expelled. Suspected cases in
this course may be reported to Student Life. The specific disciplinary process for academic dishonesty is
found in the TWU Student Handbook. The TWU library link, “Avoiding Plagiarism,” will aid students in
completing their assignments with integrity.
Activities, Assignments, and Grading Policy:
Students are evaluated by the fieldwork educator on-site using the AOTA Fieldwork Performance
Evaluation (FWPE). The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator is responsible for assignment of course
credit for Level 2 Fieldwork. Level 2 FW courses are graded on a credit/no credit basis. In order to
receive credit for each fieldwork experience, the student must meet the requirements to ‘pass’ on the
FWPE: overall final score of 122 or higher, and a rating of 3 on all Ethics and Safety items. While the
FWPE score plays a major role in assigning final course credit, completing FW2 School assignments,
including participation in the Blackboard portion of the course, are included.
Major Course Assignments:
Although FW2 interns may be assigned to different practice settings, geographical locations and
have varying site-specific assignments, all FW2 students are expected to engage in the following
activities:
FOR BOTH ROTATIONS COMPLETE 1-5
1. Fieldwork Intern/Learner Outcomes Checklist: REQUIRED
These are designed to assist the School, the Intern and the Fieldwork Educator in identifying
how fieldwork supports didactic learning. Within the first 2 weeks of the assignment, students
are to review the outcomes with their FWE, identifying which fieldwork experiences or
expectations most likely match which outcomes. It is not necessary that each site provides an
opportunity to meet each outcome. Fieldwork Intern/Learner Outcomes Checklist is to be
used in conjunction with AOTA’s Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) and is not
designed to replace the FWE’s assessment or site-specific objectives. After review of the
outcomes checklist, upload it on Blackboard: Assignments – Assignments During Fieldwork –
Dropbox for Signed Learner Outcomes
2. Site-Specific Objectives: REQUIRED
Each site should have site-specific objectives that map onto the FWPE. These are posted
online for student intern access. The student should review these objectives with the FWE at
the beginning of the rotation. When site-specific objectives are not available at the start of a
placement, the TWU FW2 Objectives are to be used. The student and FWE should review and
adapt these as needed to match the site’s requirements; this makes an excellent student
project. Students are responsible for submitting SSO during week 4. Do not simple resubmit
previous objectives, please review site objectives to ensure relevancy and accuracy as it
relates to your site. Assignments – Assignments During Fieldwork – Drop Box Site Specific
Student Objectives
3. Fieldwork Data Form (FWDF) update: REQUIRED
The most current FWDF for each site is available online. Each student should access the FWDF
and meet with the FWE to discuss any changes or updates to the site information. The
updated FWDF is due back during week 6. It is imperative that you double-check this form – it
how we determine that you are collaborating with your educator AND it provides an accurate,
up-to-date form for future students. Assignments – Assignments During Fieldwork – Drop
Box for Updated FW Data Form
4. Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Experience (SEFWE): - REQUIRED
The SEFWE is submitted online by the student at the close of each rotation. This form is
uploaded into FW2 Site Information on Blackboard to inform and guide students making
fieldwork choices. Complete the form independently and be honest, specific, and thorough
on all parts. The evaluation includes opportunities for suggestions and criticism which can be
used as a tool for change or improvement in existing programs. It is also important to
compliment FWEs and the center for the things they do particularly well or that have been
helpful to you. Assignments – Assignments During Last Week of Fieldwork – Drop Box for
the Student Evaluation of the Fieldwork Experience
5. Survival Guide Assignments – REQUIRED
Fieldwork intern will need to have regular access to a computer to complete 8 total
assignments (7 in first rotation, 1 in second)related to the textbook reading. Assignments are
provided PRIOR to fieldwork and the intern may complete these assignment prior to the due
dates as they prepare the student for the fieldwork experience. These assignments are
required. See attachment for detailed information. Assignments – Survival Guide
Assignments – Drop Box for Each Assignment
6. Discussion Board Participation – NEW POST OPENS EVERY TWO WEEKS – REQUIRED
Fieldwork interns will need to have regular access to a computer with an internet connection.
It is anticipated that you will spend approximately 1.5 -2 hours every other week during Level
II fieldwork to complete the required web-based components. Fieldwork interns will be
required to post every two weeks to given prompts AND provide a substantial response to a
peer. Substantial means that do you not simply state “me too” or “great job”, instead you
will expand upon another perspective with your own experience or evidence or you can argue
(politely) a peer’s perspective with your own experience or evidence. The purpose is to reflect
upon your fieldwork experience by sharing with peers, on-campus students and faculty as
well as with the fieldwork coordinator in order to make it a more meaningful experience.
Discussion board topics will open under Course – My Groups – Group Discussion Board.
Posts open alternate Sundays at 8am and close every two weeks on Sunday at 11:59pm.
Faculty will be reviewing responses to ensure active responses by all participants. Nonparticipation will result in contact via email, phone or site visit to follow up with intern.
AT THE END OF YOUR SECOND ROTATION – 2 ADDITONAL ASSIGNMENTS ARE REQUIRED
1. Evaluation of AFWC: SURVEY: FINAL WEEK OF 2ND ROTATION – REQUIRED
In week 24 (Week 12 of Rotation 2), the intern will complete feedback for the AFWC. Please
use Blackboard to complete this task under Assignments - Assignments during the Last Week
of Fieldwork - Evaluation of AFWC. You will find a link to Survey Monkey to access there.
Check off that you completed the task in BB.
2. Student Education of the Fieldwork Experience – FINAL WEEK OF 2nd ROTATION - REQUIRED
In week 24 (Week 12 of Rotation 2), the intern will complete a survey on how your academics
prepared your fieldwork, what you may have seen on fieldwork and other data we like to
review to ensure that the program reflects what is being done in the “real world”. Please use
Blackboard to complete this task under Assignments - Assignments During the Last Week of
Fieldwork – Final Fieldwork Survey. You will find a link to Survey Monkey to access there.
Check off that you completed the task in BB.
ACOTE Standards:
C.1.0: The goal of Level 2 fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational
therapists. Level 2 fieldwork must be integral to the program’s curriculum design and must include an
in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy to clients, focusing on the application of
purposeful and meaningful occupations and research, administration, and management of
occupational therapy services. It is recommended that the student be exposed to a variety of clients
across the lifespan and to a variety of settings.
C.1.11: The fieldwork experience is designed to promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice, to
transmit the values and beliefs that enable ethical practice, and to develop professionalism and
competence in career responsibilities.
Attendance Policy for FW2:
The student is responsible for maintaining the assigned fieldwork schedule, including prompt and
following site requirements for reporting absences. Only personal illness or emergency attendance
situations (serious illness or death in the immediate family) are justifiable reasons for missing fieldwork.
Beyond a cumulative 3 days, absences are to be made up at the discretion of the fieldwork educator.
Options may include evening or weekend scheduling, but may involve extending the rotation.
Other Requirements related to FW2:
Health Records/Drug Screens and Background Checks:
The student is responsible for providing proof of immunizations or health examination or health
insurance as required by the site. The School will provide attestation of background check done at
admission to the program. If required by the site, drug screens and/or updated background checks
are at the student’s expense.
As specified by the site, the student is responsible for completing any pre-placement requirements,
such as completion of on-line training modules, confidentiality statements, health and safety training,
current CPR certification or other procedures. The student is responsible for completing such
requirements prior to the start of the FW2 placement. The School of Occupational Therapy does not
guarantee student access to fieldwork sites.
Survival Guide Assignments
Preparation of Level 2 Fieldwork:
DUE END OF WEEK 1 (Submit any time prior to end of Week 1)
Required Reading & Responses PRIOR to Level 2 Start Date (Due end of Week 1, but for your own
preparation, please complete PRIOR to Week 1)
Please upload this document with these responses in Assignments – Survival Guide Assignments – Drop
Box for Each Assignment on BB by the end of Week 1. You are certainly welcome to drop your work in
sooner, but be sure you submit by Saturday night, Week 1.
Working ahead is a great plan for FW 2, so please work ahead of schedule and drop your assignments in
before FW 2 if you wish.
Chapter 1
Read
Create & Complete the Chart (page 8-10)
I will be looking for careful connections here, please really reflect
Chapter 2
Read
Create & Complete the Chart (p 32-34)
Chapter 3
Read
DUE END OF WEEK 2 (Submit any time prior to end of Week 2)
Required Reading & Responses: Due by end of Week 2
Please upload this document with these responses in Assignments – Survival Guide Assignments – Drop
Box for Each Assignment on BB by the end of Week 2. You are certainly welcome to drop your work in
sooner, but be sure you submit by Saturday night, Week 2.
Working ahead is a great plan for FW 2, so please work ahead of schedule and drop your assignments in
before FW 2 if you wish.
Chapter 4
Read
Create & Complete Box 4.2, 4.3 & 4.4 for your first rotation
Chapter 5
Read
Create & Complete Box 5.3 p89 and questions on p90
DUE END OF WEEK 3 (Submit any time prior to end of Week 3)
Required Reading & Responses: due by end of Week 3
Please upload this document with these responses in Assignments – Survival Guide Assignments – Drop
Box for Each Assignment on BB by the end of Week 3. You are certainly welcome to drop your work in
sooner, but be sure you submit by Saturday night, Week 3.
Working ahead is a great plan for FW 2, so please work ahead of schedule and drop your assignments in
before FW 2 if you wish.
Chapter 6
Read
Complete Exercise 6.3 p 109 & 110
Chapter 7
Read
Complete 5 Situations on p120-123
DUE END OF WEEK 4 (Submit any time prior to end of Week 4)
Required Reading & Responses: due by end of Week 4
Please upload this document with these responses in Assignments – Survival Guide Assignments – Drop
Box for Each Assignment on BB by the end of Week 4. You are certainly welcome to drop your work in
sooner, but be sure you submit by Saturday night, Week 4.
Working ahead is a great plan for FW 2, so please work ahead of schedule and drop your assignments in
before FW 2 if you wish.
Chapter 8
Read
Chapter 9
Read
DUE END OF WEEK 5 (Submit any time prior to end of Week 5)
Required Reading & Responses: due by end of Week 5
Please upload this document with these responses in Assignments – Survival Guide Assignments – Drop
Box for Each Assignment on BB by the end of Week 5. You are certainly welcome to drop your work in
sooner, but be sure you submit by Saturday night, Week 5.
Working ahead is a great plan for FW 2, so please work ahead of schedule and drop your assignments in
before FW 2 if you wish.
Chapter 10
Read
Complete Exercise 10.1 p153-154
Chapter 13
Read
Complete Exercise 13.1 p181
DUE END OF WEEK 6 (Submit any time prior to end of Week 6)
By Midterm you should have a good stride at your site. This assignment requests that you compile the
about components into one document for your reference. It may be hard to complete this ahead of
time, but if you can, and do it accurately & completely, feel free to submit your work as soon as you
complete it (it can be before Week 6)
Required Reading & Responses: due by end of Week 6
Please upload this document with these responses in Assignments – Survival Guide Assignments – Drop
Box for Each Assignment on BB by the end of Week 6. You are certainly welcome to drop your work in
sooner, but be sure you submit by Saturday night, Week 6.
Working ahead is a great plan for FW 2, so please work ahead of schedule and drop your assignments in
before FW 2 if you wish.
Read Chapter 15
Complete All Exercises in Chapter
(You may cut and paste from previously submitted documents)
Create one main document for this Assignment
Fall Level 2 Fieldwork:
Tracking Your Experience
DUE END OF WEEK 3 FALL (Submit any time prior to end of Week 3 FALL)
This assignment requests that you compile the about components into one document for your
reference. It may be hard to complete this ahead of time, but if you can, and do it accurately &
completely, feel free to submit your work as soon as you complete it. This is due by the end of Week 3.
Be sure to complete the first few items regarding the site as soon as possible PRIOR to your rotation so
you have this readily available.
Required Reading & Responses to Level 2 due by end of Week 3 of your Second Rotation
Please upload this document with these responses in Assignments – Survival Guide Assignments – Drop
Box for Each Assignment on BB by the end of Week 3. You are certainly welcome to drop your work in
sooner, but be sure you submit by Saturday night, Week 3.
Working ahead is a great plan for FW 2, so please work ahead of schedule and drop your assignments in
before FW 2 if you wish.
Read Chapter 16
Complete All Exercises in Chapter
(You may cut and paste from previously submitted documents)
Create one main document for this Assignment
Discussion Post Assignments
Discussion Post 1
Opens Day One; Closes End of Week 2 11:59pm
Title: First Day/Week Experiences
Congratulations on progressing to FW2. It's a big step in your academic and career plans. You've been
well prepared to begin fieldwork and we have confidence in your knowledge and skills. We have a lot
invested in you and want you to succeed. We're here to support you and encourage you in any way we
can.
The first fieldwork is the scariest, I know. So much to assimilate, so many new people, new settings,
new responsibilities and so much to do! The first few days can be overwhelming. My first fieldwork was
many years ago, but I remember it clearly. I was in Milwaukee Public Schools and my clinical educator
looked right at me the first day and with a serious look on her face said “I don’t give A’s to students, so
don’t plan on getting an A” (We received grades based on the point values on our evaluations back
then). I recall the immediate feeling of failure and defeat before I had even started. I went home after
the day was done, cried a little bit, made peace with her statements and went back to fieldwork the next
day with resolve to do the absolute best I could do. I landed that “A”, but not without hard work and
dedication. My point is, plan on hiccups, plan on mistakes and plan on getting up the next day with new
resolve and focus to succeed.
I don't expect your fieldwork to be this extreme, but I understand that it can take a while to get
comfortable. For most of you this will come next week as you get past the first few days of orientation
and settle into a routine with your supervisor. Fieldwork experiences can make a lasting impression; the
literature says it's a major determinant of what setting you choose for your first job. Let's hope that all
of you have an exceptional experience.
Please share with the group your first day reflection. Post a substantial response to a peer that expands
upon their experience or argues it (with grace).
Discussion Post 2
Opens Week 2; Closes End of Week 4 11:59pm
Title: Ethical Practice and Culture
By the end of your initial weeks you've had a chance to get a feel for the site, experience the general
social and professional culture of the clinic/hospital, and begin to see their mission in practice. How's
this working for you? Is this a comfortable feeling? Have you assimilated? How is this environment
similar or differ from others where you might have worked or done level 1 fieldwork?
Please answer the above questions and post a substantial response to a peer that expands upon or
argues (politely) their experiences.
Discussion Post 3
Opens Week 4; Closes End of Week 6 11:59pm
Title: The Day and the Life - Professional Experiences
Describe your experiences in the first few weeks of your FW. What are the surprises you discovered as
you got started, how do you feel about being there, how do you fit into this group of OTs, what is the
role of OT in this setting? Create a picture so that your peers can envision your experiences.
Discussion Post 4
Opens Week 6; Closes End of Week 8 11:59pm
Title: Assessments & Evaluation Process
Describe the types of assessments you are using in FW and the kinds of information you gain from the
established assessments in use. Did you learn these at TWU, on site? Do you feel you had enough
practice at TWU? If not, what would you do different?
How do you find out about what a person does with their time and the meaning behind it? Describe
how you are able to modify procedures for an assessment with a challenging client.
Discussion Post 5
Opens Week 8; Closes End of Week 10 11:59pm
Title: Evidence-Based Practice & Experiences
Share with others how you have incorporated evidenced-based practice into your role as an OT intern
and how the OTs and other professionals use EBP to guide their decision-making and interventions.
How does your site promote and implement evidence-based practice? Were you required to complete a
project or in-service and if yes, how did you incorporate evidence based practice?
Discussion Post 6
Opens Week 10; Closes End of Week 12 11:59pm
Title: Expanding your Intervention Skill Set
Congratulations! You are rounding out your last weeks at your first site!
Are you stuck on coming up with intervention ideas? Do you have a dilemma finding something to do
with a client that will be meaningful and client centered? Describe your client/group in this questions
and brainstorm with other interns. Or describe a creative intervention you've used, why did it work so
well? What was the client's response, your supervisor's feedback?
Discussion Post 7
Opens Week 1; Closes End of Week 2 11:59pm
Title: Comparison of FW 2 Sites
Please share with the group your first day reflection. Post a substantial response to a peer that expands
upon their experience or argues it (with grace). What’s different? What’s the same? What do you
think you’ll love? What do you think may be a challenge?
Discussion Post 8
Opens Week 2; Closes End of Week 4 11:59pm
Title: Documentation & Reimbursement
Describe a typical client goal or objective addressed by OT at your facility. What format are you using to
document (SOAP notes, other?) Who pays for OT services related to these goals? Does the payer source
affect your documentation?
Discussion Post 9
Opens Week 4; Closes End of Week 6 11:59pm
Title: Supervision Models & Professionalism
Identify effective supervision strategies you are benefiting from and why this works for you. How has
your supervisor provided you with feedback? How have you adapted/modified your performance in
turn? How have your felt about receiving feedback? As a new professional, what professional behaviors
do you need to do to ensure you appropriately handle supervision models?
Discussion Post 10
Opens Week 6; Closes End of Week 8 11:59pm
Title: Leadership & Professionalism
Who are the official and unofficial leaders in your setting (no names) and how do they demonstrate
their leadership? How are good professional habits displayed? What habits have your acquired on this
rotation? How do you want to grow professionally? Have your goals changed since the start of FEW?
Discussion Post 11
Opens Week 8; Closes End of Week 10 11:59pm
Title: Psychosocial Aspects of Practice – Summer & Fall Reflection
Regardless of your practice setting (peds/rehab/acute/mental health/hand therapy, etc.) describe how
you are integrating psychosocial factors into the development of client-centered, meaningful,
occupational-based outcomes. How have you observed OT addressing psychosocial client issues? What
can you do to incorporate these issues in your current care? Please reflect on BOTH summer & fall
rotations for this assignment.
Discussion Post 12
Opens Week 10; Closes End of Week 12 11:59pm
Title: Fond Farewell & Fieldwork Stories
Congratulations! You are so close to the end of your FW rotation and on your way to graduation!!!
Write a brief fieldwork story about an OT intervention that was meaningful to your client. Describe
what happened and what was important about the intervention that left an impression on you. What
activity engaged and excited you/your client, making you eager for the next intervention? What made
the activity special? How do you plan to follow up?