Course coordinator
Professor Sally Bennett
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This course will develop an understanding of, and skills in, therapeutic and professional communication, the therapeutic use of self, interviewing, and reflective practice.
“To design and develop an intervention that will be meaningful to an individual the occupational therapy practitioner must spend time talking and/or interacting with the client and learning about who he or she is. We cannot expect to design an intervention that is meaningful to the client if we do not understand that individual”.ﾠKramer, P.,ﾠHinojosa J.,ﾠ& Royeen,ﾠC. (2003). Perspectives in Human Occupation. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (p.11).
Effective and therapeutic communication with people is a core skill for occupational therapists. Well-developed communicationﾠenables occupational therapists to enhance the participation and engagement of individuals, organisations, communities, and populations in meaningful occupations. Students studying this course will develop professional and therapeutic communication skills, and an understanding of how these skills impact on professional interactions, relationships, and the therapy process. Students will specifically develop an awareness and understanding of, and ability to demonstrate: the therapeutic use of self; the impact of personal values and beliefs on interactions with others; the skills required for interviewing; and the considerations required for communicating with people who have a disability.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is an introductory core course for students in their first year of the occupational therapy program.
Restrictions
BOccThy Students
Course contact
Lecturer
Professor Sally Bennett
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Lisa Gardener
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures:ﾠ8 - 10 am Mondayﾠ
Tutorials:ﾠWednesdays:ﾠT1: 9:00 – 10:30amﾠ ﾠ ﾠT2: 9:00 am – 10:30amﾠ ﾠT3: 10:30 – 12:00 pmﾠ ﾠT4: 10:30 am – 12:00pmﾠ ﾠ
A detailed weekly timetable will be available on Learn.UQ.
Aims and outcomes
This course focuses on developing the therapeutic communication skills required to practice as an occupational therapist. Emphasis is placed on the development of professional and therapeutic communication skills,ﾠtherapeutic use of self, interviewing skills, and reflective practice.ﾠStudents will have numerous opportunities to practice their therapeutic communication and interviewing skills in both small groups and 1:1 situations.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Coursework - Identify personal values, beliefs, life experiences and interpersonal characteristics that impact on communication in various contexts.
LO2.
Coursework - Demonstrate the ability to engage in insightful self reflection regarding personal communication skills in various contexts.
LO3.
Coursework - Demonstrate an understanding of interviewing and communication skills by critiquing the performance of oneself and a peer during an interview and appropriately modifying communication style in response to the needs of the person being interviewed.
LO4.
Coursework - Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal therapeutic communication skills including listening, questioning, and assertiveness in 1:1 and group situations.
LO5.
Coursework - Identify the impact of disability on the communication experience.
LO6.
Coursework - Demonstrate an understanding of the theory supporting therapeutic (intentional) use of self and the application of these principles to OT practice.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Semester Therapeutic Communication Exam
|
45% |
7/04/2025 8:00 am |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation |
Practice Interview and Peer Feedback
|
Pass/Fail (MUST PASS) |
1) Lecture attendance 19/05/2025 8:00 am 2) Practice interview during tutorial time 21/05/2025 3) Complete Peer Interview Feedback form during tutorial time (to be submitted later with Reflection Report) 21/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Reflection Report
|
25% MUST PASS |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation |
Final Practical Exam - Assessment Interview
|
30% MUST PASS |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
End of Semester Exam Period |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-Semester Therapeutic Communication Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
7/04/2025 8:00 am
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06
Task description
This in-semester exam is scheduled in class in Week 7 and is a face-to-face exam. It is not an open-book exam. Content from lectures, tutorials and required readings from Weeks 1-6 inclusive is examinable.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Practice Interview and Peer Feedback
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail (MUST PASS)
- Due date
1) Lecture attendance 19/05/2025 8:00 am
2) Practice interview during tutorial time 21/05/2025
3) Complete Peer Interview Feedback form during tutorial time (to be submitted later with Reflection Report) 21/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
This task consists of 3 requirements: 1) Compulsory attendance at the lecture in Week 12 (attendance will be recorded); 2) Compulsory participation in the practice interview during the tutorials in Week 12; and 3) completion of the Peer Feedback Form during the tutorials in Week 12 .
This is a hurdle piece of assessment. You must attend the lecture and pass both the practice interview and peer feedback assessment in order to progress to the Assessment Interview held in the end of semester exam period.
Hurdle requirements
This is a hurdle piece of assessment. You must attend the lecture and pass both the Practice interview and Peer Interview Feedback form assessment in order to progress to the Assessment Interview held in the end of semester exam period.Submission guidelines
The Peer Interview Feedback Form that you completed on your partner during your practice interview in order to provide peer feedback must be submitted with your Reflection Report via Turnitin on Learn.UQ
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Reflection Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 25% MUST PASS
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
Reflective practice is is the process of reflecting on an experience or activity and underpins excellence in occupational therapy practice. You are required to reflect on the feedback received following your practice interview, identify the strengths and weaknesses in your communication skills, and discern what you need to focus on to enhance communication in your end-of-semester assessment interview and with your clients in the future. You are also required to submit the Peer Interview Feedback Form that you completed for your practice interview partner as evidence of having completed the feedback form.
Refer to the Assignment Task Sheet and marking rubric that will be in the Assessment Folder on Learn.UQ for further details.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this assessment to pass the course overall.Submission guidelines
The reflection report is to be submitted online via Turnitin on Learn.UQ, together with with the Peer Interview Feedback Form you completed for your partner during the practice interview.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Final Practical Exam - Assessment Interview
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 30% MUST PASS
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
End of Semester Exam Period
- Learning outcomes
- L04
Task description
Students will undertake an interview with another student during the end-of-semester exam block. The interviews will be assessed. The student whom you will interview will be decided by assessors on the day of the interview just prior to the interview. The task ydescription and marking rubric will be available on Learn.UQ.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this exam to pass the course overall.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 40 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage fromﾠall assessment ofﾠ0 - 34%.ﾠ |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage fromﾠall assessment ofﾠ35 - 44%.ﾠ |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage fromﾠall assessment ofﾠ45 - 54%.ﾠ A grade of 3 willﾠbe awarded to a studentﾠwho achieves a final mark of 55% or higherﾠbut who does not passﾠthe 'must pass' assessment itemsﾠnoted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment ofﾠ55 - 64%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below.ﾠ |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment ofﾠ65 - 74%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below.ﾠ |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment ofﾠ75 - 84%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below.ﾠ |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment ofﾠ85 - 100%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below.ﾠ |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Most of the assessment items in this course are ‘must pass’ﾠitems which means you must pass them to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed. These include:1) the practice interview and peer feedback assessment item; 2) the reflection report assignment; and 3) the final interview in the final exam block. The only item that is not 'must pass' is the in-semester exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Resubmission/Resit of assessment items
The School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences supports the concept of resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specificﾠand defined circumstances. In this course, the Reflection Report is eligible for consideration of the resubmission option if the assessment item was submitted on time.ﾠ
After resubmission, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resubmission for an assessment item and do not submit by the scheduled date will not be granted an extension.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When assessment is submitted through Blackboard you will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt. This information will also be sent to your student e-mail account. Please ensure you keep this email.
When assessment is submitted through Turnitin you will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptﾠfrom yourﾠAssignment inbox.ﾠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
UQ acknowledges that AI presents novel and evolving opportunities for assessment and will support students and staff in maintaining academic integrity.
Individual assessment tasks will detail any form of acceptable use of AI across all courses.ﾠUse of AI outputs without attribution is a form of plagiarism, which is unacceptable and constitutes academic misconduct.ﾠAssessment will always centre on critical appraisal of student knowledge, skills, and attributes. This may include students’ critical reflection and application of AI within their discipline
All assessment tasks in this course (OCTY1102) evaluate students’ abilities, skills, and knowledgeﾠwithoutﾠthe aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Learn.UQ - Community and Course Sites
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences uses the Learning Management System Learn.UQ (https://learn.uq.edu.au) for all courses in the BOccThy. You are expected to login to Learn.UQ daily as this system, along with email, will be the primary way the School communicates with you regarding the program.ﾠThe Learn.UQ course sites are used to provide course-specific announcements, lecture notes, lecture theatre recordings, timetables, manuals for practicals, tutorials and placements, sample exam papers, etc. In some courses, assessment is also required to be submitted electronically via the Learn.UQ course site and your grades/feedback will be provided online (see each ECP and course Learn.UQ site for specific guidance).ﾠﾠﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Not Timetabled |
Research, reading, reflecting and reasoning Independent reading and study from the required resources and other nominated resources on Learn.UQ is required each week. Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures Weekly lectures are provided on Monday mornings from 8 am to 10 am. Lectures will focus on the acquisition of therapeutic communication skills required for occupational therapy practice. A detailed schedule of lectures will be provided on Learn.UQ. Lectures will be delivered face-to-face and also via Zoom. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials Series of interactive tutorials and workshops held on Wednesdays where students develop and practice their therapeutic communication skills, therapeutic use of self, interviewing skills and reflection and reasoning skills. A detailed schedule of lectures will be provided on Learn.UQ Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Practical |
Practice interview and peer feedback Attendance at the 2 hour lecture and 1.5 hour tutorial sessions are compulsory in Week 12. These sessions will prepare students for the formal interview assessment in the end of semester exam period and provide the basis for the reflection report. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: