Curriculum Evaluation: Linking Curriculum Objectives to Essential Competencies

Abstract

Background. The essential competencies of occupational therapy practice are agreed upon and documented (ACOTRO, 2003), yet they have not been used to evaluate educational programs. Purpose. To evaluate the match between the planned curriculum and the nationally recognized competencies that define safe, effective, and ethical practice. Methods. Utilizing a comparative and systematic approach, course learning objectives in the approved curriculum map were matched to the ACOTRO (2003) competencies. Findings. A total of 218 links were made between the 179 learning objectives and the 30 essential competencies. There were no links to three competencies. Learning objectives were not equally represented across the ACOTRO units; initial analyses indicate the distribution is likely appropriate. Implications. This novel evaluative process allowed critical appraisal and subsequent minor revision of Dalhousie curriculum. The appropriate, relative weighting of curriculum content is unknown and is a professional issue for discussion by regulators, educators, and the profession at large.