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Use of Sensation in the OT Classroom
By Denise Donica, DHSc, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA, Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, East Carolina University
Sensory integration is defined as “the neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.”1 Occupational therapists need to understand the various senses the body perceives and be able to assess how sensation impacts a person’s occupational performance as a step toward understanding sensory integration. This understanding informs our intervention planning and recommendations to clients based on their goals. As an educator, I strive to ensure that my students learn the importance of sensory impacts on an individual, no matter their age. My approach has been based on active participation. As humans, we learn by doing.
In a lecture-based course, I introduce various sensations to the occupational therapy students during the in-seat class time. This is done by clustering similar types of sensations in each session. Throughout the class, the students incorporate various sensory strategies into their learning to see how it impacts them personally, and then write up a brief reflection. Some things enhance their learning, while others distract from their learning. This spurs later conversation between students about sensory preferences and helps them recognize how sensation impacts each person differently.
For example, in one class session we explore various seating options. After learning how to use the options safely, students can try CanDo Sitting Wedges, Zuma Rockers, FitBALL® Wedges, Feetballs and single-leg stools. They sit on each option for about 10 minutes and then try another choice...
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