Influence of occupational therapy curricula on students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities.

The influence of occupational therapy curricula on students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities was studied. Twenty-six female students in either their first or fourth (i.e, final) semester of the occupational therapy curriculum were assessed with the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDP) (Yukor, Block, & Younng, 1966). A comparison group, 26 female students in either their first or fourth semester of the medical technology program, was also assessed with this scale. As hypothesized, the fourth-semester occupational therapy students showed significantly higher scores than did the other three groups of subjects. Also as predicted, this same group showed significantly higher scores than their first-semester counterparts and the fourth-semester medical technology students. No significant difference was found between first-semester and fourth-semester medical technology students. The occupational therapy curriculum appears to positively influence students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities.

Trigger films for teaching in the affective domain.

An audio-visual tool for teaching in the affective domain was produced and utilized with clinical laboratory science students at Mercy College of Detroit. Videotape trigger films were employed to portray real-life laboratory situations. Each dramatization concludes without reaching a resolution. The purpose of the films was to trigger discussion concerning the resolution of the situation presented. The trigger films were received enthusiastically by the students. This instructional method provides an efficient means of stimulating discussion concerning the situations presented, as well as other related topics. The advantages of this approach to teaching in the affective domain are discussed. The paper also describes preparation of the scripts, directions and filming of the trigger film dramatization. Classroom utilization of trigger films and their adaptability to various student levels is described.