Outline

Overview

This unit will engage students in the process of developing professional skills within elements of the occupational therapy process. The unit will explore the integration of personal reflexivity, client's lived experience, evidence-based practice, and clinical reasoning as core capabilities in professional decision-making and the application of client-centred occupational therapy processes. Tools learned in the classroom context will be applied in a clinical simulation program (embedded in the unit). This will provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own professional behaviour and development. A professional placement completed during semester breaks will further allow students to develop and document their ongoing achievement of professional competencies in a range of appropriate practice skills.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	OCCP5237
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rene Fraser, rene.fraser@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Celine Serrano-Diaz, celine.serranodiaz@sydney.edu.au
Practitioner(s)	Narelle Oste, narelle.oste@sydney.edu.au
	Phuong Tran, phuong.tran@sydney.edu.au
	Pauline Russett, pauline.russett@sydney.edu.au
	Meaghan Boyd, meaghan.boyd@sydney.edu.au
	Jeremy Wilson, jeremy.wilson@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Rebecca Barton, rebecca.barton@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Janelle Weise, j.weise@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Placements (SIM): Midway Evaluation of Foundational Placement Competencies Student rated midway EFPC	0%	Multiple weeks Due date: 02 Sep 2025 at 23:59	Online form with comments and ratings	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Placements (SIM): FINAL Evaluation of Foundational Placement Competencies Student-rated final EFPC	0%	Multiple weeks Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59	Online form with comments and ratings	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflection on reasoning and learning plan Written reflection on development throughout SIM *NOTE: group due dates	40%	Multiple weeks Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	In-Class Quiz #EFT Early feedback task: multiple choice and short answer quiz assessing understanding of UOS requirements and expectations	20%	Week 02 Due date: 11 Aug 2025 at 13:00	15-minute Canvas quiz in Monday seminar	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Oral case presentation Presentations on Friday 10/10. Slides due Wednesday 8/10.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 08 Oct 2025 at 23:59	20 mins presentation, 5 mins questions	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Timesheet for SIM Client 1 (prac. ed. hours) Participation/attendance log in SONIA, of simulated placement activities for SIM Client 1 (weeks 1 to 9)	0%	Week 09 Due date: 12 Oct 2025 at 23:59	Approx 52 hours in total	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Individual case portfolio Students will submit documents associated with their SIM case. Details on Canvas	15%	Week 10 Due date: 15 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1 page for each task + reference list	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Timesheet for SIM Client 2 (prac. ed. hours) Participation/attendance log in SONIA, of simulated placement activities for SIM Client 2 (weeks 10 to 13)	0%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59	Approx 28 hours in total	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

In-Class Quiz: The in-class quiz includes questions about SIM admin/manual content as well as short answer questions about students' group strengths/weaknesses/strategies.

Oral case discussion: A small group 20-minute oral presentation relating to your first SIM case, including an articulation of your clinical reasoning,

Portfolio: A short, individually completed portfolio of written work (due 2 days prior to your presentation).

Reflection on reasoning and learning plan: In this written assessment you will demonstrate your learning and critical reflection by completing a critical analysis of your development as a future occupational therapist and your development of professional reasoning skills across the semester. You will also be required to submit supporting documentation e.g. CRaFT (Critical Reflection after Feedback Tool) forms which you will have completed throughout semester, as an appendix.

Practice Education Skills: This includes three hurdle tasks associated with recording placment hours, as well as a midway and final Evaluation of Foundational Placement Competencies – Simulation & Placement.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined in the rubrics for each graded assessment task. This generally equates with performance consistently well in the ‘Extensions’ level of the ICE rubric.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by the rubrics for each graded assessment task. This generally equates with performance in the ‘Extensions’ level of the ICE rubric.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by the rubrics for each graded assessment task. This generally equates with performance consistently well in the ‘Connections’ level of the ICE rubric.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by the rubrics for each graded assessment task. This generally equates with performance in the ‘Connections’ level of the ICE rubric.
Fail	0 - 49	Awarded when you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard, as defined by the rubrics for each graded assessment task. This generally equates with performance in the ‘Ideas’ level of the ICE rubric. This is the overall unit grading awarded when you fail to meet the minimum standards on a placement performance assessment that is a hurdle task, irrespective of cumulative performance on other assessment tasks.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks	All learning activities as specified in OCCP5256	Simulation laboratory (1 hr)
Multiple weeks	External placement to be scheduled at the end of the semester.	Placement (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

This is a placement unit of study (Practice Education 1 placement) and contributes to the required minimum practice education.
As such, this unit of study has minimum attendance requirements that include mandatory classes, academic mentoring, simulation laboratory placement attendance, group and individual self-directed learning. These hours together contribute a minimum of 80 hours towards the required 1000 hours of practice education placements.
Guidelines for the minimum hours per activity type, total minimum hours and mandatory sessions are outlined in the unit Canvas site. Instructions on when to apply for special arrangements or special considerations in relation to placement attendance are also available in this section. Due to the design of this placement unit, the special considerations option of ‘new or varied placement’ may not be able to be accommodated.
Students should also refer to the time-sheet guidelines on the occupational therapy page of the WIL canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121/pages/occupational-therapy

Class and simulation preparation requirements:

This unit of study is designed to use an interactive ‘flipped classroom’ mode of learning. Students will be expected to complete preparation for all class sessions and simulation laboratory placement days, including self-directed learning. Seminars will be designed to enable students to apply learning in practice, and to consolidate understanding, and as such will require active engagement in preparation by students.
At least a minimum amount of time spent in preparation, both individually and in assigned small group learning teams, is required to be documented in placement timesheets.
Preparation for simulation is reflected in the placement performance assessment. Preparation and participation in classes is likely to influence students’ performance in the written assessment task.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings and preparatory material will be posted on Canvas in the weekly module pages.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate professional behaviours and self-management skills appropriate to the expectations of the university and fieldwork settings;
LO2. explain and critically reflect upon their professional reasoning with reference to occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice;
LO3. communicate with a range of audiences to achieve professional objectives and build collegial and therapeutic relationships;
LO4. gather and interpret information through the occupational therapy process to develop priorities with an assigned caseload.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1. Professionalism 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.12. Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision 1.13. Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively 1.14. Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice 1.16. Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and 4.5. Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice 4.8. Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 3. Occupational therapy process and practice 3.10. Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment 4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 1.4. Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals 4. Communication 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian 4.8. Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.7. Implements a specific learning and development plan when moving to a new area of practice or returning to practice 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 3. Occupational therapy process and practice 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.10. Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
1.10		Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.11		Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts
1.12		Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision
1.13		Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.14		Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
1.16		Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and
1.17		Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.
1.3		Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships
1.4		Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships
1.5		Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups
1.7		Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice
1.8		Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice
1.9		Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice
2.1		Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.10		Maintains digital literacy for practice.
2.2		Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3		Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.5		Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting
2.8		Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
2.9		Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and
3.1		Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.10		Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes
3.2		Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals
3.3		Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4		Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5		Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
3.7		Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
3.8		Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
3.9		Implements an effective and accountable process for delegation, referral and handover
4.1		Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.10		Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and
4.11		Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
4.2		Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.4		Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
4.5		Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
4.6		Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice
4.7		Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
4.8		Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others
4.9		Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit of study is equivalent to OCCP5256.

Additional information

Additional costs

Costs associated with student-directed simulation activities, and with placement, are the responsibility of the student. For the external placement, when applied, additional costs may be incurred for accommodation, transport and leave from usual employment. Students should prepare to cover these costs and can refer to the University website for financial assistance opportunities. https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/financial-support.html

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OCCP5238: Developing OT Prof. Skills in Practice

Semester 2, 2025 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links