Purpose:
This mixed methods study explores the current levels of knowledge, perceived comfort, and implementation readiness regarding the Master Adaptive Learner (MAL) framework among faculty in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. The study also aims to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to MAL framework implementation in DPT education.
Desired Outcomes: The study seeks to (1) explore the depth of understanding and current knowledge of the MAL framework among DPT faculty, (2) identify perceived comfort levels related to the MAL framework and its core components—including metacognition, self-regulated learning, adaptive expertise, and academic coaching, and (3) explore perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation.
Type of Information Collected: The survey collects demographic information (age, employment status, faculty role, academic rank, faculty appointment type, years of teaching experience, and current teaching workload percentage), educational background and teacher development history, and Likert-scale and open-ended responses assessing knowledge, comfort, and readiness related to the MAL framework and its components. Participants who are willing may also volunteer for a follow-up semi-structured interview.
Qualifications
- Ages 18–89 years old
- Currently employed as faculty (Program Director/Chair, Director of Clinical Education, Core full-time faculty, Core part-time faculty, Associate faculty, or Adjunct faculty) in a CAPTE-accredited DPT program
- Have an instructional role or role involved in curricular design
- Exclusion: Faculty employed at programs currently in candidacy phase through CAPTE, employed in an expansion DPT program, or who do not have an instructional role or involvement in curricular design.
Estimated Time to Complete & Deadline:
- Estimated time: 10-15 minutes
- Deadline: June 30, 2027
Survey Information:
Investigators:
Principal Investigator:
Jodi Young, PT, DPT, PhD
Director of Research, Bellin College
3201 Eaton Rd., Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: 920-433-6999
Email: jodi.young@bellincollege.edu
Co-Investigators:
Christian Margeson, PT, DPT — Bellin College
Chris Dohrmann, PT, DPT— Bellin College
Jonathan Fass, PT, DPT— Bellin College
Rebecca Bliss, PT, DPT, DHSc — University of Kansas Medical Center
Host Institution: Bellin College, Green Bay, WI
IRB Information:
This study has been verified as Exempt by the Bellin Health Institutional Review Board (Protocol #3089) according to 45 CFR 46.101(b)(2, 8) on February 3, 2026.