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A COLLABORATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE USING THE GENERIC ABILITIES. Coleman F, Likens C; University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA. Acoleman@utmem.edu. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to introduce first semester PT students to the Generic Abilities of May et al through the use of a collaborative learning experience. Generic Abilities are core professional behaviors required for success in our profession. FOUNDATION: Collaborative learning encourages students to redefine their roles as observer, listener and recipient of knowledge to participant, creator and problem solver. It requires the student to demonstrate a stronger commitment to the learning process and to view their peers, themselves, and the group as additional and important sources of authority and knowledge. DESCRIPTION: Following a class discussion on the use of the Generic Abilities as a framework for defining professional behaviors, the class was divided into eight small work groups. Each work group was assigned one generic ability. The students were instructed to develop a short skit demonstrating an example of unacceptable behavior for their generic ability (e.g., problem solving, responsibility) followed by an example of behavior considered to be acceptable at the entry level (by graduation). The faculty developed skits on the two remaining categories. All performances were recorded by the faculty facilitators using a digital video camcorder and edited into a single short film. The film was shown to the class and faculty during a lunch hour session with prizes awarded to the group judged to have the best scenario. OBSERVATIONS: Feedback from participants revealed initial reluctance to the assignment but this was replaced by an enthusiastic response to the film project. Following this experience, the students reported that a more collegial relationship developed between classmates. The faculty’s expectation of the student as a self directed, independent learner was reinforced. CONCLUSIONS: The development of professional behaviors as defined in the Generic Abilities is essential for the success of a student in the academic and clinical environment. By using the collaborative learning approach in presenting this material, students are given an opportunity to enhance their collaborative skills, which are vital in today’s healthcare environment. In the future, the faculty facilitators would consider involving the students more in the technical aspects of the project including the filming and editing process. FUNDING SOURCE: None.
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