Using a learning community to enhance course integration in a school of allied health.

The occupational therapy department at East Carolina University conducted a case study of an intact learning community to assess its potential to enhance the integration of course content. This learning community of students and faculty offers a method of supplementing curricula. The learning community consisted of seven students and two faculty members. Analysis of individual interviews, focus group discussion, and self-administered self-efficacy assessments indicated that students perceived the learning community as enhancing their ability to integrate course material from pediatrics and research occupational therapy courses. Recommendations for implementation in other settings are offered.