Outline

Overview

This unit introduces you to assessment and intervention planning as embedded in the occupational therapy practice process. You will learn to understand and plan relevant occupational therapy approaches to collecting information and assessment to address the needs of your clients. You will learn occupational therapy competencies essential for high quality, effective, culturally responsive, and evidence-based assessment and planning practice for people experiencing occupational performance difficulties. You will observe, and apply your understanding of how adults learn and process information, the use of effective and culturally responsive communication skills in a practice education setting. You will also find and use best available evidence including standardised assessments and outcome measures, and develop clinical reasoning skills that will enable you to think critically and make practice decisions in assessment and planning as an occupational therapist.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	OCCP5257
Prohibitions ?	OCCP5217
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jacqueline Wesson, jacqueline.wesson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Placement: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy online training Online modules are pre-requisite training videos with quiz questions. Watching the videos is essential for attending the in-person workshop. Modules will be available earlier for self-paced completion.	0%	Multiple weeks	Up to 4 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Activity Form Accurate record of placement hours and details is submitted.	0%	Progressive Due date: 10 Jul 2026 at 23:59	60 hours placement	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Practice education skills portfolio You will demonstrate defined year 1 level clinical skills. Domains include professional behaviour; self-management; communication skills; working in a team & role of OT	0%	Progressive Due date: 10 Jul 2026 at 23:59	Checklist	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	ACE online module Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) online module	0%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	60 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Oral test	ACE interview Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) interview - various times - see ACE Canvas site	0%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 00:00	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Case Study Part 1 - Foundations First three criteria of case study assignment (foundations). One student in the team submits PDF of up to 6 slides with speaking notes	20%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Six slides with speaking notes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Case Study Part 2 - Peer Feedback You will be randomly allocated 2 submissions of Part 1 – Foundations. You will use the ‘Part 1’ rubric to provide feedback for each submission, including constructive comments that might improve the submission.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	500 words approximately	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Placement: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in-persontraining In-person training where students consolidate skills from the online modules and extend skills with practical application of learning, ready for use in placements.	0%	Week 10	4 hours	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Placement briefing & debriefing sessions Attendance at briefing sessions, de-briefing sessions, placement sites and clinical education sessions to meet 60 hours of fieldwork	0%	Week 11 Due date: 14 May 2026 at 10:00	Various	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Case Study Part 4b - Communication Skills - Q&A following presentation Communication skills (dynamic): Q&A about case study following presentation	20%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 00:00	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Placement letter of introduction Submission of letter of introduction to placement site clinical educator.	0%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	200 words - see template.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Case Study Part 4a - Communication Skills Verbal communication skills during the presentation - professional communication to peers.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 00:00	5-6 min depending on team context	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Case Study Part 3 - OT Formulation Team presentation for 20 minutes of whole case study to class mates. PDF of slides and speaking notes to be submitted. Marked live in tutorial class times in Week 13.	40%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 00:00	20 min per team; PDF of slides submitted	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

There are 3 components to this unit. 1) Academic work 2) Placement work 3) ACE. Both ACE and placement have hurdle tasks that you must pass to pass the unit. See ACE Canvas site for additional details. Academic and Placement tasks are on the OCCP5258 Canvas site.

1. Academic assessment summary:

Case study forms the focus of assessment in this unit. Parts 1, 3 (teamwork – weighted 60% in total). You will be required to work in small teams and complete a case study. Submit slides only (+ speaking notes) for the foundations of your case presentation (Part 1 – 15%) to help provide feedback that you are on the right track. This feedback will be provided by your peers, as each of you will mark 2 cases (Part 2 task) using the assessment rubric to guide marking. Participation in the peer feedback process will earn 10% for each student. Part 3 (45%) is a live oral presentation from all group members of one section of the case study (maximum 20 minutes). You will be given time during tutorials to work through the OT process and develop your case study.

Case presentation Part 4a and 4b (individual – weighted 10%). 4a - your communication skills during your section of the presentation will be assessed, and 4b – you will be asked two questions about your case study to demonstrate your understanding.

2. Clinical placement requirements:

Attendance is required at all briefing sessions (pre- and post) and clinical placements as allocated and recording of hours must be completed accurately; a letter of introduction to your placement site and a practice education skills portfolio addressing domains of entry-level professional skills needs to be submitted and is marked on a pass/ fail basis.

3. Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) unit is also embedded in this OCCP5258 unit and has hurdle tasks that you must pass. See ACE Canvas sites for details.

You must complete all the assessment tasks to pass the entire unit. Failure to complete any assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade – regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study. Detailed information for each assessment will be available on Canvas and during tutorials.

Assessment criteria

As per University of Sydney guidelines

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per University of Sydney policies

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
Week 01	Orientation; introduction to assessment in OT & occupational performance issues	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Communication & language skills in assessment practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Interviewing & assessment practice: the lived experience	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	PEO and interviewing skills; Teamwork skills	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Goal setting - COPM & data gathering	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Prioritising OPIs & goal setting Using client data from different sources	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Types of assessments; Selecting & evaluating assessments	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Factors influencing assessment selection; Case study allocation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Psychometric properties of assessment tools	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Psychometrics and critiquing assessments with help – Cogniti tool	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Functional cognition and cognition in older adults	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	What is functional cognition and cognition	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Assessing functional cognition & cognition	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Assessing functional cognitive processes in adults; Critiquing FC assessments; Giving peer feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Everyday activities assessment (ADL & instrumental ADL)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Assessing everyday activities - standardised & non-standardised methods	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Driving assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Driver screening – DSDA & physical screening	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Cognitive Stimulation Therapy training	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 11	Briefing for professional practice education	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 13	Team presentations of case studies - live in class	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at lectures and tutorials is recommended in order to meet requirements of the assignments.

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

See Canvas site for details

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Demonstrate occupational therapy competencies needed for person-focussed, ethical, safe, lawful, inclusive, culturally responsive and accountable occupational therapy practice in assessment and planning in practice education contexts.
LO2. Perform occupational therapy assessment and planning in a manner that is informed by relevant and contemporary theory, up-to-date practice knowledge and best available evidence from research, policy, and practice expertise.
LO3. Use an occupational therapy approach to data gathering and assessment, including how to select, administer, record, communicate and critique assessments that reveal information about health, wellbeing, human occupation and the barriers and enablers to personally and culturally meaningful participation of individuals, groups, communities and populations.
LO4. Perform occupational therapy assessment of adult and older adult occupations and occupational performance, life situations, and the barriers and enablers to participation experienced by individuals in a manner that is client-centred, appropriate to the problem or issue, culturally safe, based on best-available evidence, within scope of practice, efficient and accountable.
LO5. Demonstrate understanding of the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for collaborative decision-making and goal setting related to occupational therapy assessment, re-assessment and outcome evaluation, and planning according to principles of adult learning and information-processing approaches.
LO6. Demonstrate competent communication skills and professional behaviours relevant to occupational therapy that are client-centred and stakeholder-appropriate using written, verbal and non-verbal approaches.

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Students have responded well to content and learning activities of this unit, and placement has been enhanced with the addition of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy training which students will deliver on placement. This year, IPL has been removed from the unit to reduce assessment load.

Additional information

Verification is required before placement.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OCCP5258: Introduction to the OT Practice Process

Semester 1, 2026 [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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links