Abstract
Involvement in research is increasingly playing a crucial role in the training of higher education students, however, there isn’t much found on the literature on this particular subject. The present study aims to gauge the participants’ perception of pedagogical and scientific contributions in the development of research projects, specifically in the elaboration of a Cognitive Stimulation Program. Procedures followed a qualitative approach trough an exploratory descriptive case study research. For data collection, a semi-structured interview, a focus group, with key informants, and a questionnaire, were used for a set of participants (students and a professor) of the third year of Occupational Therapy Degree of the Polytechnic of Leiria. Data was processed resorting to content analysis according to Bardin and supported by WebQDA software. There was evidence of the pedagogical contributions, with perceived effective learning and scientific advancement, namely in the area of cognitive stimulation, particularly in the development of clinical reasoning. The students’ practical involvement in research projects enhanced learning and knowledge acquisition, as well the advancement of research practice.
Keywords
Students, Higher Education, Research, Cognitive Stimulation, Mind & Gait
Author Bio(s)
Jaime Ribeiro holds a PhD in Multimedia in Education from the University of Aveiro and a degree in Occupational Therapy from the School of Health Technologies of Oporto. Is a Professor at the School of Health Sciences of the Polytechnic of Leiria. Is a member of the Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF), of the Portuguese Society of Rehabilitation Engineering, Assistive Technologies and Accessibility (SUPERA) and integrates the Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (CiTechCare). His research focuses on the qualitative approach in research, health, rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, Functionality, disabilities, teacher training in the use of ICT inEducation of Students with Special Educational Needs, Assistive Technologies, use of technologies in teaching and learning processes and ageing. Integrates national and European projects related to Rehabilitation and Education. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: jaime.ribeiro@ipleiria.pt.
Ana Carolina Noversa is an Occupational Therapist graduated from the School of Health Sciences of the Polytechnic of Leiria.
Bruna Soares is an Occupational Therapist graduated from the School of Health Sciences of the Polytechnic of Leiria.
Joana Azevedo is an Occupational Therapist graduated from the School of Health Sciences of the Polytechnic of Leiria.
Patrícia Gomes is an Occupational Therapist graduated from the School of Health Sciences of the Polytechnic of Leiria.
Mônica Braúna Costa is a PhD student in Geriatrics and Gerontology at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Master in Social Gerontology, with Postgraduate Degree in Public Health Education and graduated in Occupational Therapy. Member of the Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology - CiTheCare of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria. Adjunct Professor of the Leiria Higher School of Health in the scientific area of Occupational Therapy and Gerontology.
Maria dos Anjos Coelho Rodrigues Dixe is a full professor at Health Sciences School of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria. She concluded his Ph.D. in Psychology (2003) and the Master degree in Nursing in 1995. She is researcher at Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare). She has published several scientific studies in national and international journals and was responsible for funded projects.
Filipa Daniela Costa Couto has registered Nurse with a Degree in Nursing (2017) from the Nursing School of Coimbra. Collaborator researcher at the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E) in the research areas of cognitive impairment, cognitive stimulation in the elderly and elderly frailty. She is associated to the MIND&GAIT Project – Promoting Independent living in frail older adults by improving cognition and gait ability and using assistive products.
João Luís Alves Apóstolo has aggregation degree in Nursing Sciences (2017), PhD in Nursing Sciences (2008), Postdoctoral program in Nursing Sciences (2013), master’s degree in addictions and psychosocial pathologies (2000), postgraduate study in health service administration (2000), degree in nursing (1998) with a specialization in mental health and psychiatric nursing (1997). He is part of the faculty of the Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC) and is a researcher at the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E). He is Deputy Director of The PORTUGAL Centre for Evidence Based Practice: A Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Centre of Excellence (PCEBP).
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by Portugal 2020 and by the Foundation for Science and Technology Portugal – POCI-01-0145-FEDER-23822.
Publication Date
4-19-2019
DOI
10.46743/2160-3715/2019.4134
Recommended APA Citation
Ribeiro, J.,
Carolina Noversa, A.,
Soares, S.,
Azevedo, J.,
Gomes, P.,
Braúna Costa, M.,
dos Anjos Coelho Rodrigues Dixe, M.,
Daniela Costa Couto, F.,
&
Luís Alves Apóstolo, J.
(2019).
The Perception of Students and Lecturer of Occupational therapy on the Importance of Involvement in Research Projects: The MIND & GAIT Project.
The Qualitative Report,
24(13), 107-125.
https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2019.4134
