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Associate Professor

Karina Michelle DANCZA

Associate Professor
PhD in Occupational Therapy , The University of Queensland, Australia
Cluster:
Health and Social Sciences
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Biography

Dr Karina Dancza is an Associate Professor in the Health and Social Sciences Cluster at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Karina’s over 20-year experience as an occupational therapist began with her studies at the University of South Australia and her graduate work with children and young people in Adelaide. She continued her career as a senior clinician in the United Kingdom, where she spent 15 years working in practice, higher education, and as a national policy advisor for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. In 2018, Karina joined SIT to continue her passion for occupational therapy education. Her Ph.D. research interests were in student learning processes and children’s occupational therapy practice. Based on her Ph.D. research, in 2018 she authored the textbook, Implementing Occupation-Centred Practice: A Practical Guide for Occupational Therapy Practice Learning, and she is now working on her second book about professional supervision.

SIT Appointments

  • Associate Professor
    – Present
  • Assistant Professor
    –

Education

  • PhD in Occupational Therapy
    The University of Queensland , Australia
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching, Higher Education
    Canterbury Christ Church University , United Kingdom
  • Master of Arts in Special Education Needs
    University of Wales , United Kingdom
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences, Health Promotion and Health Services Management
    Queensland Institute of Technology , Australia
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy
    University of South Australia , Australia

Achievements

  • Charles Darwin University, Adjunct Associate Professor
    –
  • University of the Sunshine Coast, Adjunct Lecturer
    –
  • The University of Queensland Research Scholarship
    –

Professional Certification

  • Temporary Registration as an Occupational Therapist (Singapore)
    Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC)
    –
  • Professional Registration (OT 36377), Occupational Therapist (to present)
    Health and Care Professions Council, United Kingdom

Professional Memberships

  • Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists
    – Present
  • Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom (40871), Fellow, September 2010 - present
    – Present
  • British Association of Occupational Therapists (BT0238562), Professional Member, Jan 2004 - present
    –
  • Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Children, young people and families, Professional Member, January 2004 – present
    –

Corporate Experience

  • The Ministry of Health (MOH) Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup Member
    –
  • Development and delivery of a course for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health on “How to Manage: Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Creator and lecturer of the “Essential Skills for Contemporary Occupational Therapy: Children's” course for The Royal College of Occupational Therapists
  • World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) - Expert on international project team for WFOT Position Statement on Occupational Therapy Services in School-Based Practice and Childhood Obesity
    –
  • Executive committee representative for occupational therapy on the British Academy of Childhood Disability
    –
  • Register of Experts for Occupational Therapy in Europe - (OT-EU / COTEC) for children and young people
    –
  • Professional Advisor – Children & Young People, The Royal College of Occupational Therapists
    –
  • Expert Adviser to Lord Freud (House of Lords, UK) on developing a section of legislation which supports families when children are in distress
    –
  • Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Canterbury Christ Church University
    –
  • Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, The Dyscovery Centre, South Wales
    –
  • Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Colchester Primary Care Trust, England
    –
  • Inclusion Consultant, Inclusion SA, South Australia
    –

Research Interests

  • Health service transformation
  • Professional supervision
  • Implementation science
  • Professional/clinical/workplace education
  • Teaching and learning in higher education
  • Occupation-centred practice
  • Person and family centred practice
  • School based occupational therapy practice
  • Participation
  • Children and young people
  • Classroom design for special needs

Current Projects

  • EARLY CAREER OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL JUSTICE IN PRACTICE
    – Present
  • SLEEP QUALITY AND QUANTITY IN ALLIED HEALTH AND NURSING STUDENTS IN SINGAPORE
    – Present
  • GUIDANCE FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED CLINICAL EDUCATORS ON SUPPORTING STUDENTS DURING PLACEMENT: AN EVALUATION OF THE PLUS FRAMEWORK IN SINGAPORE
    – Present
  • QUALITY OF ONLINE INFORMATION ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, NUTRITION AND SLEEP FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
    – Present
  • SINGHEALTH-SIT STROKE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
    – Present

    Collaboration with SingHealth, Singapore. Part of the SingHealth One Rehab Stroke Pilot.

  • EXPLORING FEATURES OF A CLASSROOM BENEFICIAL FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN SINGAPORE
    – Present

    Collaboration with Rainbow Centre, Singapore. A joint project between Heath and Social Sciences (Occupational Therapy), Engineering and Design and Business Studies. 

  • SHIFTING TEACHING AND LEARNING ONLINE: AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY INVESTIGATION INTO CHANGES IN ALLIED HEALTH UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION SINCE COVID-19
    – Present
  • COGNITIVE ORIENTATION TO OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE (CO-OP): IMPROVING FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN MENTAL HEALTH
    – Present

    Collaboration with National University Hospital, Singapore

Past Projects

  • A STUDY ON THE EXPERIENCE AND IMPACT OF AUTHENTIC ORAL ASSESSMENT
    –

    A joint project between CoLEAD, Health and Social Sciences (Occupational Therapy and Nursing), and Engineering Faculty. 

  • ENHANCING SUPERVISION IN COMMUNITY SERVICES
    –

    Collaboration with AWWA, Singapore

  • ENHANCING THE PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN EARLY INTERVENTION SETTINGS
    –

    Collaboration with AWWA, Singapore

  • WHAT ATTRACTS AND RETAINS EARLY-CAREER THERAPISTS TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
    –

    Collaboration with AWWA, Singapore

  • VALUE-BASED HEALTHCARE: EVALUATING OUTCOMES THAT ARE RELEVANT AT AN INDIVIDUAL AND SERVICE LEVEL IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
    –

    Collaboration with National University Hospital, Singapore

  • THE USE OF A THEORY-INFORMED WORKBOOK TO SUPPORT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STUDENTS PLACEMENT LEARNING
    –
    In collaboration with Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
  • STRUCTURE AND UNCERTAINTY: THE 'JUST-RIGHT' BALANCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STUDENT LEARNING ON ROLE EMERGING PLACEMENTS IN SCHOOLS
    –

    PhD Thesis: The University of Queensland (September 2015) 

     

  • DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER (DCD), JOINT HYPERMOBILITY SYNDROME (JHS) AND ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A SURVEY OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS’ KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGEMENT OF THESE CONDITIONS
    –

    Masters Thesis: University of Wales (March 2008)

     

Journal Papers

Conferences

  • Tan, C.P., Howes, D., Dancza, K.M. “The Role of Interactive Oral Assessments in Fostering Graduate Attributes in Higher Education” Workshop, Applied Learning Conference, 20-21 January 2022, Singapore Institute of Technology.

  • Quak, A.L.X., Lau, M.S.E., Poon, K.Y.C., Soh, G.Y.I., Goff, A.J., Dancza, K.M. “An Appreciative Inquiry investigation into changes in undergraduate health science education since COVID-19.” Presentation, Applied Learning Conference, 20-21 January 2022, Singapore Institute of Technology.

  • Dancza, K., Copley, J., Moran, M., “Guidance for fieldwork educators in promoting professional reasoning: Development of the PLUS Framework”, 2021 Schell-TWU Professional Reasoning Colloquium, Texas Women’s University, Online, 8-9 October 2021.

  • Schoenthaler, E., Lynch, H., Dancza, K., Schulze, C., Kaelin, V., “Workshop: Developing resilience in school-based occupational therapy practitioners using an international community of practice”, 2nd COTEC-ENOTHE Congress 2021, Prague, Czech Republic, Online, 15-18 September 2021.

  • Moores, A., Dancza, K. Turpin, M. and Copley, J. “Supporting occupational therapy students to use theoretical knowledge during placements: what can practice educators do?”, 14th National Allied Health Conference Australia, Online, 9-12 August 2021.

  • Moores, A., Dancza, K. Turpin, M. And Copley, J. "The use of theoretical knowledge in occupational therapy practice education: What is happening now, and can more be done?" Occupational Therapy Australia 29th National Conference and Exhibition, Online, 23-25 June 2021.

  • Kwa, FY., Koh, XT., Chua, R., Wong, SR., Ngooi, BX., Dancza, K. “Poster: Understanding value-based health care in occupational therapy in Singapore: An appreciative inquiry exploration of the patients' and caregivers' perspectives”, Singapore Allied Health Conference 2021, Singapore, 8-9 March 2021.

  • Dancza, K and Tan S. "An introduction to coaching for occupational therapy." Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists Paediatric Special Interest Group study day, Singapore, 10 December 2020. 

  • Dancza, K., Kaelin, V., “Embracing uncertainty to enhance learning: Using a threshold concepts perspective in clinical fieldwork.”, Applied Learning Conference 2020, Singapore, 30-31 January 2020. 

  • Dancza, K., Copley, J., Moran, M., “Understanding how students learn during role-emerging placements.”, National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore, 2 November 2019. 

  • Kaelin, V., Dancza K. (2019) “Using threshold concepts to understand and enhance the support of students undertaking role‐emerging placements” Special Issue: Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition “Together Towards Tomorrow”, 10–12 July 2019, International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 66 (Suppl. 1) 39-82. 

  • Dancza, K., Moran, M., Copley, J. (2019) “Unexpected benefits of engaging in research: reflections from participants”, Special Issue: Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition “Together Towards Tomorrow”, 10–12 July 2019, International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 66 (Suppl. 1) pages 6–38. 

  • Dancza, K., Hoo, C. “Occupational therapy in school settings: Learning from Singapore and the United Kingdom.”, National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore, 20 October 2018. 

  • Dancza, K. “School-based occupational therapy.”, Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists Paediatric Special Interest Group study day, Singapore, 22 September 2018. 

  • Dancza, K.M. & Brotherton, J. (2017) “Occupation focused outcomes – Troubleshooting problems and presenting exemplars of Education Health and Care Plans”. Broadening Horizons: Celebrating Collaborative. Children, Young People and Families Annual conference, 9th – 10th November, Leeds, UK

  • Barnes, A. & Dancza, K.M. (2017). “Putting the ‘occupation’ back into occupational therapy in the acute paediatric setting”. Broadening Horizons: Celebrating Collaborative. Children, Young People and Families Annual conference, 9th – 10th November, Leeds, UK

  • Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “The development of a theory-informed workbook as an ‘additional supervisor’ for occupational therapy students on role-emerging placements”. 1st COTEC –ENOTHE joint congress, 15-19 June, Galway, Ireland

  • Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “Enabling the development of professional identity through occupation-centred practice”. It’s time for occupation. 40th Annual Conference of the College of Occupational Therapists, 28-30 June, Harrogate, UK

  • Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “Embedding the importance of participation with future practitioners: The development of a theory-informed workbook to guide occupational therapy students on role-emerging placements.” Supporting Children’s Participation: Evidence and interaction. 3rd #CountMeIn! International Scientific Meeting. 6th – 7th April, Plymouth, UK

  • Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “The development of a theory-informed workbook as an additional resource for supporting occupational therapy students on role-emerging placements, poster presentation”. Its time for occupation. 40th Annual Conference of the College of Occupational Therapists, 28-30 June, Harrogate, UK

  • Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2014). “Is it important for students to experience occupation-centred practice on placement?” Sharing Traditions, Creating Futures. 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. 18th – 21st June, Yokohama, Japan

  • Warren, A., Dancza, K., McKay, E. A., Taylor, A., Moran, M., Rodger, S., Copley, J.         “Supervising Role-Emerging Placements: Creating Opportunities for Innovation in Practice.” Australian Occupational Therapy Conference / Journal, 60, (Supp.1) 2013 21

  • Dancza, K. “The School Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model and Evaluation of Social Interaction.”, London AMPS user group study event, National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, 18 September 2013

  • Dancza, K. “Using Occupational Performance Analysis to Maintain Occupation at the Core of our Practice.” Children, Young People and Families South East Region Study Event, Canterbury Christ Church University, Medway, 2 July 2013

  • Dancza, K.M., Copley, J., Moran, M. & Rodger, S. (2012). “Scaffolding learning for occupational therapy role-emerging placements using the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model.” Implementing evidence-based, occupation-focused assessments and occupation-based interventions, International AMPS Symposium. 11th – 14th September, Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Dancza, K.M., & Head, J. (2012). “Promoting creativity in reflection: charting the learning experience”. Towards Creative Action: Transformations and Collaborations in Practice, Collaborative Action Research Network/ International Practice Development Collaborative Conference. 23rd – 25th November, Kent, United Kingdom

  • Mesa, S., Dancza, K.M., & Chard, G. (2012). “Using the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model in a first year university programme to explore how occupation influences early student learning about practice.” Implementing evidence-based, occupation-focused assessments and occupation-based interventions, International AMPS Symposium. 11th – 14th September, Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Dancza, K.M., Warren, A., Moran, M., Copley, J., Rodger, S., Taylor, A., & McKay, E. (2012) “Role emerging occupational therapy placements: learning and collaborating together”. All Together Better Health VI, 6th International Interprofessional Education Conference. 5th – 8th October, Kobe, Japan

Books

Teaching Modules

Diagnostic Radiography, BSc (Hons)

  • HSC1005 - Research - Critical Appraisal of Literature
  • HSC2002 - Research - Methods and Statistics

Occupational Therapy, BSc (Hons)

  • HSC1005 - Research - Critical Appraisal of Literature
  • HSC2002 - Research - Methods and Statistics
  • OTY2101 - Occupational Therapy Intervention and Clinical Reasoning
  • OTY2105 - Occupational Therapy Group Interventions
  • OTY3002 - Play, School and Transition
  • OTY4006 - Occupational Justice and Disabilities Studies
  • OTY4005 - Honours Thesis
  • OTY2909 - Clinical Practice Education 2
  • OTY4901 - Clinical Practice Education 4

Radiation Therapy, BSc (Hons)

  • HSC1005 - Research - Critical Appraisal of Literature
  • HSC2002 - Research - Methods and Statistics

Occupational Therapy, BSc

  • OTY3908 - Clinical Practice Education 3a
  • OTY3908 - Clinical Practice Education 3a
  • OTY3909 - Clinical Practice Education 3b
  • OTY3909 - Clinical Practice Education 3b

Past

  • OTY4911 - Critical Appraisal of OT Practice (4101)
  • OTY3917 - Linking Theory, Evidence and Practice (4071)