TRJ Call for Papers on RT Education

Therapeutic Recreation Journal

Call for Papers - Special Issue on the Future of Recreational Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation Education

As recreational therapy and therapeutic recreation (RT/TR) evolve, there is a need to reflect, evaluate, and advance professional preparation systems and methods that support the formation of competent, caring, and capable practitioners to lead the profession into the future. Over the past 40 years, TRJ has shared how various educational trends and issues such as student enrollment, faculty composition, administrative support, funding, curriculum, and program characteristics have changed and challenged the profession (see Anderson, Ashton-Shaeffer & Autry, 2000; Anderson & Stewart, 1980; Autry, Anderson, & Sklar, 2010; Stewart & Anderson, 1990). Additionally, studies exploring accreditation, certification, licensure, internships, graduation, and employment have been described and discussed in TRJ (Stumbo & Carter, 1999a, 1999b; Stumbo, Carter, & Kim 2004a, 2004b; Stumbo, Carter, & Folkerth, 2007).

As our profession addresses the changes and challenges during the 21st century, it is important that research and scholarly work continue to explore and address the preparation of future RT/TR professionals within dynamic educational systems where they are prepared. Stumbo and Keller (2005) identified overarching forces to consider as educational systems are explored: financing, faculty productivity and accountability related to institutional mission, diversity of students, student learning outcomes and assessments, advancements in technology, and fluid leadership and legislative mandates. What is needed for the future within RT/TR academic programs to thrive and survive as well as to prepare professionals who are positioned to sustain and advance the practice? Please help shape the future of RT/TR education by sharing your work.

Prospective authors are encouraged to submit conceptual papers and/or original research. Topics may include but are not limited to the following:
• Issues related to accreditation, certification, licensure
• Recruitment, retention, and placement
• Student learning outcomes and competencies along with assessments
• Curriculum redesign to include critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving
• Pedagogy, innovation, quality assurance
• Influences of technology on teaching and learning
• Faculty and institutions of higher education expectations
• Alternative delivery and professional preparation models
• Issues of diversity and globalization
• Service learning and civic engagement

The deadline for submission is May 15, 2013. Submission will undergo a standard double-blind review process. Submit manuscripts electronically to the TRJ data management system of Sagamore Publishing http://js.sagamorepub.com/trj . Publication of the issue is expected to occur in late 2013. Manuscripts should follow the TRJ guidelines for contributors.
Questions should be directed to the TRJ Editor:
Marcia Jean Carter, Re.D.
Therapeutic Recreation Journal Editor
Western Illinois University
3561 60th Street
Moline, IL 61265
mj-carter2@wiu.edu
(309) 762-9481 ext 62322

Journal's Website:
http://js.sagamorepub.com/trj

Submission Information:
http://js.sagamorepub.com/trj/about/submissions#onlineSubmissions

References:
Anderson, S. C., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Autry, C. E. (2000). Therapeutic recreation education: 1999 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 34 (4), 335-347.

Anderson, S. C., & Stewart, M. W. (1980). Therapeutic recreation education: 1979 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 14(3), 4-10.

Autry, C.E., Anderson, S.C., & Sklar, S. L. (2010). Therapeutic recreation education: 2009 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 44(3), 161-181.

Stein, T. (1970). Therapeutic recreation: 1969 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 4(2), 4-7.

Stewart, M. W., & Anderson, S. C. (1990). Therapeutic recreation education: 1989 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 24(3), 9-19.

Stumbo, N. J., & Carter, M. J. (1999a). National therapeutic recreation curriculum study part A: Accreditation, curriculum and internship characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 33(1), 46-60.

Stumbo, N. J., & Carter, M. J. (1999b). National therapeutic recreation curriculum study part B: University, faculty, student, and placement characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 33(3), 241-250.

Stumbo, N.J., Carter, M.J., & Kim, J. (2004a). 2003 national therapeutic recreation curriculum study part A: Accreditation, curriculum and internship characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 38(1), 32-52.

Stumbo, N.J., Carter, M.J., & Kim, J. (2004). 2003 national therapeutic recreation curriculum study part B: University, faculty, student, and placement characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 38(1), 53-71.

Stumbo, N.J., Carter, M.J., & Folkerth, J.E. (2007). Investigation of graduate therapeutic recreation curricula in the United States. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 6(2), 19-31.

Stumbo, N. J., & Keller, M.J. (2005). Higher education influences and trends. Paper presented at the 2005 Therapeutic Recreation Educator’s Conference. Chicago, IL.