Professional Writing & Research Practicum(OCTH 790)

Syllabus Spring Semester, 2017 This is a DRAFT version only!3 Credit hours                                      

Day/Time/Location: Officially, this course meets from 8am – 9:50am in 1023 Orr-Major each Tuesday. We will meet in person for the first day of class, however most of the remaining material will be taught on-line or through interactions with faculty mentors for your research groups. There still will a few in-person class meetings, so please consult the course timetable to confirm those dates. 

Instructor:                    Jeff Radel, Ph.D.   (jradel@kumc.edu)Office:                           Occupational Therapy Education Dept., 3rd floor RobinsonTel:                                (913) 588-7195

Office hours:               By appointment; I also will monitor the course discussion board on Tuesdays from 8 – 10am on the days when we are not meeting for class, and as time permits throughout the rest of each week.

 The unfortunate reality is that faculty members really do have responsibilities other than those related to students! Please understand that even if I am not available when you stop by the office, I am committed to responding to the needs of my students. This particularly is the case for research – I’m happy to arrange to meet with students individually or as a group if a delay in progress can be avoided. If I am not unavailable, take the time to send an e-mail message. If I fail to respond within 24 hours, please re-send the message or post to the discussion board! You should indicate other possible meeting times and a telephone number where you may be reached, or leave a note for me with a staff member that includes this information.

We will meet as a class for a few lectures this term; please refer to the course timetable for these dates and for any updates. For the most part, however, information for the Professional and Technical Writing portion of this course will be delivered on-line, so this content will be available to students according to their needs and the timing of that group’s project. Maintaining forward momentum is critical – I expect you will meet with your group and research mentor at least once every week throughout the term. As a rule of thumb, if your mentor hasn’t met with your group for more than 2 weeks in a row, you likely have fallen behind schedule. Make arrangements to speak with me if you have questions about the course content or assignments. The Research Practicum component of this course has no designated meeting times this term, due to the varied nature of the research projects. Regular meetings with your research group and with your mentor are encouraged. I will attempt to track progress on your various projects throughout the term. I also will facilitate progress of the studies or act as a resource if requested to do so. Once again, please make arrangements to speak with me if you have concerns about your group’s progress or any other aspects of the research project. Course description: The Research Practicum portion of the course provides an opportunity for students to carry out a research project under the guidance of a faculty

mentor. This portion of this course will provide first-hand experience with how conducting research becomes a platform for developing insight into practice and occupational therapy principles, how evidence emerging from research guides practice. The Professional and Technical Writing portion of this course will provide experience with conveying meaning through professional writing, communicating study outcomes, and developing interpretations of novel research findings. This process also will support students to achieve competency in scientific writing generally, and to become familiar with use of the American Psychological Association (APA) writing style. The course will culminate with both a formal, written report and an oral presentation of your findings. Writing clarity, good syntax, and proper grammar are essential components of your writing, and will be considered when assigning grades. Link to curriculum design:

Course objectivesAccreditation Standard

Assessment Method*

1.  Students will gain first-hand experience with conducting research and learn why the research process is important to Occupational Therapy

B.5.30B.8.3B.8.5B.8.6B.8.8

1,5

2.  Students will experience what it means to be an investigator on a research project

B.5.30B.8.1B.8.5B.8.6B.8.8

1,5

3.  Students will be able to distinguish qualitative, descriptive, and experimental approaches to research

B.8.2B.8.5B.8.6

1,5

4.  Students will understand why ethical conduct is essential for research, and how an Institutional Review Board guides and monitors research studies

B.8.3B.8.6 1,3,5

5.  Students will conduct descriptive data analyses, and learn how inferential statistics are used

B.1.7B.5.30B.8.2B.8.4B.8.5B.8.6

1, 5, 8other –mentor directed analyses

6.  Students will become better consumers of research by intelligently critiquing studies that appear in research literature, clinical practice, and popular literatures

B.8.2B.8.3B.8.5B.8.6

1,5

7.  Students will learn to value clear, precise and accurate written communication through regular practice, peer feedback, and guided writing exercises.

B.8.1B.8.3B.8.5B.8.6B.8.8

1, 8other –peer editing assignment

8.  Students will develop insights based on their research findings and then convey that information to an audience as an oral presentation

B.5,20B.8.1B.8.3B.8.4B.8.6B.8.7B.8.8

1,6

9.  Students will be introduced to strategies for locating and securing funding to support studies and program evaluations, and will understand how such funds can serve as a fiscal resource for scholarly activities

B.8.91, 8other –discussion

* Assessment methods: 1=assignment, 2=lab test, 3=objective test, 4=essay test, 5=project, 6=presentation, 7=demonstration, 8=other-please specify

 

Learning Activities: This will be a task-oriented research course, centered on a faculty-mentored research project. The course will emphasize both the process of conducting research and the process of communicating research findings to others. This course builds on the material presented last year in the OCTH 725 (Research Process) course, and will culminate in the production of both a research paper and an oral presentation by your group, summarizing your group’s research findings. You would be wise to review the OCTH 725 material sometime before or soon after the term begins. Instructional Methods & Materials: Class meetings for the first part of the term will follow a writer's workshop format that will include group meetings with the instructor and with peer-editors – each group will need to submit their writing assignment for peer-review according to the posted schedule. You should use any times when we don’t meet for class as opportunities to meet with your research group, with your research mentor, or to work on the project itself. Active participation in research activities and group meeting by all group members is mandatory. Completion of edits and remedial assignments are mandatory. 

Scheduling of research activities will be negotiated among group members, research mentors, and other associated individuals. Students will be required to meet with their research mentors and research group on a regular basis (I suggest weekly), with the frequency of meetings to be mutually agreed upon by group members and mentor(s). These meetings are for the purpose of discussing research projects in enough detail so students are prepared to read literature related to their research project, pursue the research, collect and analyze data, then report their findings in a formal research paper and an oral presentation.  

My anticipated outcome of these experiences is an entry-level occupational therapist who is aware of the relation between good research and good practice, is capable of critical analysis of scientific and clinical research literatures, is aware of the need for problem identification, for good research design and appropriate methodology, and the accurate evaluation, interpretation, and presentation of research findings in professional settings.

Early in the term, each research group also should clarify expectations with the research mentor about conducting research in that specific research setting, particularly with respect to roles, interacting with research subjects and other professionals, preservation of HIPAA and other rights related to privacy of personal information, timeliness, and dressing appropriately. Required Textbooks:1.    Each student should have access to a copy of:  

Lunsford, A. (2005). The everyday writer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. ISBN: 0-312-41323-8.

2.    Each group will need to have access to a copy of: Blessing, J.D. and J. G. Forister (2013) Introduction to Research and Medical

Literature for Health Professionals (3rd ed.)   Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. (you already should have this text from OCTH725)

American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.) Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Recommended Textbook:1.    Cozby, Paul C. Methods In Behavioral Research (2004). McGraw-Hill. ISBN:

0072523425.   You may use any recent edition of this text.

Other resources: You may also find the collection of web-based research resources I’ve posted to be helpful during this course; you can find this list in the “Course Content” section of this course’s Blackboard materials.

Peer-Editing activities:  We will approach writing the final report as a series of smaller steps over the course of the term. Each step will involve the research group collaborating to develop a section of the final report (Introduction, Methods, etc.) as a draft document. These draft documents address all elements of the report necessary for that section, should include citations and references as appropriate, and should be accurate, literate, and grammatical (e.g., always spell-check & grammar-check – even draft versions!). The drafts will be submitted electronically to your group’s discussion board for peer-review by at least one other research group. The peer-edited drafts will be returned to that same discussion board within 48 hours. These suggestions should be considered, and a revised version of the document submitted electronically for grading, 1 week after the initial draft was submitted. That revised document must be submitted to the “Assignment Dropbox” (NOT the group’s discussion board!) to graded by the instructor.  Prior to conducting your own editing tasks, all students should read the summary of Effective Editor Traits posted as part of the “Course resources” material.

Assessment Measures: The grade earned in OCTH 790 will be based on (1) your completion of the Human Subjects Research Compliance tutorial and quiz, (2) completion of a Conflict of Interest Disclosure, (3) the group research paper, 4) the oral presentation, 5) your contribution as an individual to the group's research effort, and 6) your behavior as an investigator in the research setting.

Although it will not be graded, in order to receive a final grade for this course each student is required to provide a peer-review for all members of their research group (including yourself!). The completed form is to be submitted within 24 hours after your group’s presentation on OT Research Day. That form is available in the “Course Resources” folder. Complete the form and return it to me as an email attachment, or deliver it directly to me, or to a staff member in the OTEd department. Do not leave it in my mailbox! Assignments: The Course Assignments are summarized in the “Course Content” materials. All written assignments for this course should be double-spaced and printed in 12-point font.  Please refer to the Course Assignments webpage for details. Course meetings follow a writer's workshop format, so all assignments are due upon their assigned date without extension. All incomplete writing assignments will receive a maximum grade of "D". Due to the vagaries of data collection and analysis, your research mentor may apply for an individual assignment extension on your behalf. This must be from your mentor, in an email or written format, and sent to the instructor(s) prior to the assignment due date. 

Review the material from last year’s OCTH 725 – Research Process course

No points awarded, but it will be helpful to review this material as the term begins

Review the Prentiss-Hall tutorial "What is Plagiarism"http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_understand_plagiarism_1/0,6622,427064-,00.html

No points awarded, but I advise you to learn about this topic now, before any problems arise!

KUMC Human Subjects in Research tutorial & quizNote: completion is required before continuing with the course!(scores assigned by course instructor to each student)

25 points

KUMC Conflict of Interest Disclosure form 25 points

Note: completion is required before continuing with the course!(score assigned by course instructor to each student)Concept map(assigned by course instructor to the group) 20 points

Literature search #1(assigned by course instructor to the group; at least 10 articles are required) 20 points

Introduction(assigned by course instructor to the group) 25 points

Methods(assigned by course instructor to the group) 25 points

Literature Search #2(assigned by course instructor to the group; at least 10 new articles are required) 20 points

Data analysis(assigned by course instructor to the group) 20 points

Discussion(assigned by course instructor to the group) 20 points

Research paper(assigned by mentor to the group) 200 points

Oral presentation(assigned by mentor and course instructor to the group) 150 points

Individual performance assessment(assigned by mentor to each student) 100 points

Evaluation of professionalism in the research setting *(assigned by course instructor for each student) 100 points

TOTAL 750 possible points* Unprofessional behavior is not acceptable in general and will be reflected in assignment of

these points. A disregard for subject rights, disclosure of private subject information, or other unethical research behavior will result in loss of these point entirely, and the assignment of further penalties proportional to the violation. These penalties may include award of a failing grade and/or dismissal from the program. Non-compliance with research protocols or other unethical research behaviors also are required to be reported to the KUMC Office of Compliance for formal disciplinary action according to University and Federal policies and laws.

 Final grades will be assigned according to the following scale. There will be no opportunity for bonus, extra credit, or make-up points.

A 90% or higherB 80-89%C 70-79%D 65-69%F below 65%

Additional information:Academic Supports and Accommodations: Learning assistance, academic performance enhancement and psychological services at KUMC are free, confidential, and available at Student Counseling & Educational Support Services by calling 913-588-6580 or visiting G116 Student Center. Any student in this course who needs an accommodation because of a disability in order to complete the course requirements should contact the instructor or Cynthia Ukoko, Senior Coordinator for Academic Accommodations for Students and Residents in the Academic Accommodations Services office as soon as possible.  The office is located in G020 Dykes Library; the phone number is 945-7035. You may also email Cynthia Ukoko at cukoko@kumc.edu.

Professional Writing: Clear professional writing is an essential skill in professional practice.  Developing skill in professional and technical writing is an important aspect of your learning within this curriculum.  To support this learning each instructor will consider elements of language use in the grading of written communications, including appropriate content, style, word choice, syntax and mechanics.  If you need help with your writing, please contact 913-945-8477 to schedule a time with Dr. Andrés Rodríguez or visit The Writing Center at KUMC  G011b Dykes library for more information. Another excellent on-line resource is http://owl.english.purdue.edu.

Social Media and Academic Misconduct: Academic misconduct includes knowingly breaching any individual/family’s right to privacy and confidentiality and, more specifically, a patient’s rights to privacy and confidentiality by disclosing Protected Health Information as specified by HIPAA regulation.  This breach includes accessing an electronic health record, student/IEP record, or other case record in an area where others can view it, printing of information at an unauthorized printer, sharing student/patient/client information details in social networking tools such as FaceBook, Twitter, texting, or photographs taken with a cell phone or other device without authorization or permission. Please refer to the School of Health Professions Student Handbook  for the policy regarding academic misconduct.  Reported acts of academic or non-academic misconduct will be referred to the departmental Academic Integrity and Professional Standards System (AIPSS) for investigation and resolution.

Professional Behavior: The nature of the advanced level of activities in this curriculum must be based upon mutual trust and respect.  It is the expectation of each instructor that each student will engage in the learning process respectfully and with highest ethical standards for self and others.  Each student and faculty member commits to “uphold professional standards through ethical academic participation” by having signed the following HONOR PLEDGE:

 “As a member of the academic community, I pledge that I will not tolerate or engage in academic or non-academic misconduct and will uphold the academic integrity and professional standards of this program and my profession.”

I encourage all students to read the Occupational Therapy Education Department's Handbook for MOT students (available in Blackboard: Community (tab) >> OT Education >> Content >> MOT Program >> Student handbook) and the School of Health Professions Student Handbook for policies regarding academic and non-academic misconduct.

Inclement Weather Policy: The KU Medical Center's standard policy is to remain open for business as a medical institution and as an academic institution in spite of weather conditions (even though KU-Lawrence may not be having classes). An ALERT message will be posted on the homepage for KUMC if there is an adjustment to class schedules. Use common sense and plan ahead - you are responsible for all material presented as part of this seminar.

Attendance Policy:  An anticipated absence should be discussed with me prior to the class meeting. A cooperative approach to learning among students (i.e., study groups, discussion sessions) is encouraged strongly, and should be considered as a strategy from the outset of this course.

Arriving late to class: Don't. If you do arrive late and find class has begun, consider this as a good time to study at the library instead.

Course/Faculty Evaluations: Your feedback regarding this course and me as an instructor not only are essential for maintaining our program’s accreditation, but are a requirement of the Kansas Board of Regents, and are important elements in developing future offerings of the course and improving my effectiveness as an instructor.  Please be proactive and support my continued efforts to improve and refine this course by providing constructive criticism, as well as identifying aspects of the course you found particularly effective. Evaluations will be available on-line after spring break and until the start of finals week. You will be provided with instructions on

how to access the evaluation materials. The summarized and de-identified information will be provided to the instructor once course grades have been submitted officially.

Student Responsibility: If you do not understand and/or accept the contents and terms of this syllabus, you must notify the instructor in writing within one week after receiving this syllabus.

For a schedule of class meeting times, topics to be covered, and assigned materials, please refer to the course timetable. NOTE: I consider the electronic version of the course syllabus for OCTH 790 posted on the first day of class as a formal agreement between instructor and students about course content, delivery, and evaluation polices. I will not alter that posted version of the syllabus without express consent of all individuals concerned.

End of OCTH 790 syllabus

Comments? Send e-mail to Jeff RadelLast Updated: 12 Dec 2016