Shortening the Distance Between the “I” and the “It”: A Transformative Approach to Improving Teaching

Abstract

“It” science focuses on the external and technical dimensions of action. “I” science focuses on the internal experiences and meaning particular actions hold for people. Elevating “It” science over “I” science can deform occupational therapy's body of knowledge and, consequently, stunt its practices. Similarly, elevating the technical or instrumental dimension of teaching over the internal experiences of educators can deform education and even do harm to students. A transformative learning approach to improving teaching foregrounds the inner lives of educators, thus balancing the instrumental with the deeply personal aspects of teaching. Such a balance is vital given the hopes that ride on occupational therapy education.

KEYWORDS:

• Teaching
• faculty development
• transformative learning