Mentoring in Professional Best Practices During the Level I Fieldwork Experience

The previous chapter led you through the process of thinking like an educator as you are getting ready to host a Level I fieldwork student. This chapter will provide foundational knowledge as well as relevant strategies to support the integration of best practice principles for students during Level I fieldwork experiences across a variety of contexts (e.g., academic, community, educational, clinical settings). Regardless of the type of experience, the goal of Level I fieldwork continues to be consistent: “to introduce students to fieldwork, apply knowledge to practice, and develop understanding of the needs of clients” (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education [ACOTE], 2018, p. 41). Application opportunities for students during Level I fieldwork may address numerous competencies, such as professional reasoning, professional behaviors, therapeutic use of self, technical skills, the occupational therapy process, and the best practice principles.