Service-Learning in a Clinical Curriculum: A Case Study

Abstract

Physical therapy (PT) students participated in a service-learning project in which they provided clinical anatomyworkshops with prosected (previously dissected) cadavers for physical therapist assistant students from a nearby community college. Topics included the respiratory system, nerves of the arm, and shoulder rotator cuff muscles. Each workshop covered basic anatomic principles, selected pathologies and treatment options. Pre- and post-tests were used to determine whether curriculum objectives had been met. Workshop evaluations provided important feedback. PT students maintained reflection logs throughout the service-learning project. Responses from the workshop evaluations and the student reflections indicated that this was a valuable learning 

experience for both groups of students.