Work Readiness among Occupational Therapy Students in the USA: Associations with Approaches to Studying

Adele Breen-Franklin, Alliant International University - San DiegoFollow
Colleen M. Maher, Columbia University, Vagleos College of Physician and SurgeonsFollow
Tore Bonsaksen, University of Inland Norway, Elverum, Norway and VID Specialized University, Stavanger, NorwayFollow

Document Type (Journals)

Original Research

Abstract

Previous studies have looked at the association between study approaches and student grades with a focus on deep, strategic, and surface learning. This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the association between study approaches and students’ feelings of readiness to practice. Thirty-five students in master’s and clinical doctoral programs completed the Work Readiness Scale and the short 18-item version of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST). Using a linear regression analysis, higher scores on the strategic study approach (β=0.38, p<0.05) and lower scores on the surface study approach (β=-0.44, p<0.05) were associated with higher scores on the Work Readiness Scale. Studying harder (i.e. spending more hours studying) was not related to feeling ready to practice. Rather, studying wisely, meaning using a strategic approach to studying and avoiding using a surface approach, was associated with students’ increased feeling of readiness to practice.

Biography

Adele Breen-Franklin, OTD, JD, OTR/L is the inaugural program director and professor of the Master of Occupational Therapy Program, Alliant International University, San Diego California.

Colleen Maher, OTD, OTR/L, CHT is an assistant professor in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.

Tore Bonsaksen, MSc is professor in mental health at University of Inland Norway, Elverum, Norway; and professor in occupational therapy at VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Recommended Citation

Breen-Franklin, A., Maher, C. M., & Bonsaksen, T. (2025). Work Readiness among Occupational Therapy Students in the USA: Associations with Approaches to Studying. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2025.090308