Using an International Role-Modeling Pedagogy to Engage First-Year Occupational Therapy Students in Learning Professionalism

Professionalism is a core attribute for competent occupational therapists, but teaching professionalism to students is challenging for educators. The objective of this article is to investigate whether students can expand their understanding of professionalism by engaging with international role models. In addition to pre- and postclass surveys, students completed individual self-reflection reports as a course assignment. A postsemester focus group was also held.Sixty-three students completed the surveys, and 5 attended the focus group. The students showed significant improvements in their understanding of professionalism after the course (Wilcoxon signed rank Zs = 5.671–6.766, p < .001). Interviewing the role models enabled the students to become more aware of intrinsic aspects of professionalism. Major themes in the student focus group included gaining a better understanding of professionalism and committing to personal change. Some implementation challenges were also experienced.