Understanding the meaning of the occupation through creative art and experiential learning

Background: Εngaging in creative art activities is associated with wellbeing and positive emotions (Gorny-Wegrzyn, & Perry 2022). Using experiential activities through creative art activities enhances student learning (Gibson, 2019). Students and staff of OT Department of UoWM together with an artist with Down syndrome participated in a group painting, exploring the personal meaning for each of them, based on creative art on the occasion of the course “Occupation and Activity in Occupational Therapy (sections "The meaning of the occupation" and "Occupational Justice - Inclusion"). Three paintings were created by 3 groups. The action was accompanied by music. Finally, the participants titled the project and a discussion followed about their experience. Theory: Experiential learning is an active learning methodology (Bartle, 2015) Educational approach used: Learning by doing approach (Abuzandah, 2019. Aguado 2009). Evaluation: Discussion and interviews feedback of teamwork (Title in groups and individually and what/how they felt, what was meaningful to them through their participation in a collaborative and reflective way). Application to Research and/or Education: Suggested to explore and use similar activities to enhance student learning, as participants reported that they experienced strong positive emotions, increased motivation to learn and a deeper understanding of the course content.