● Standard 3: Learning Environments Teachers work with learners to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation. ● Standard 4: Content Knowledge Teachers understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the subject(s) they teach. They create learning experiences that make these aspects of the subject accessible and meaningful for learners to assure competency in the content. ● Standard 5: Application of Content Teachers understand how to connect theory and methodology and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking and creativity. They understand how to build the comprehensive skills needed for the practice of massage therapy. ● Standard 6: Planning for Instruction Teachers plan instruction that supports every student in meeting well-defined learning objectives by drawing upon knowledge of subject, curriculum, andragogy and pedagogy. They also draw upon knowledge of learners and the body- centered nature of massage therapy education. A Code of Ethics for Educators A Code of Ethics for Educators was developed by the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE). According to their literature: Members are committed to promoting professionalism and serving the learning experience of their students in every educational setting. The ethical principles set forth in this Code are intended to foster respectful relationships within the community of students, faculty, staff and institutional leaders, to facilitate successful educational outcomes, and to ultimately improve the quality of care provided to all who receive massage therapy services. The Code of Ethics is as follows: AFMTE Members shall: ● Provide a positive and focused educational environment for students that is conducive to the learning process. ● Develop and maintain policies, principles and standards that respect the dignity and worth of all persons regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, creed or religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, disability and/or health status. ● Represent the institution and its programs with honesty and integrity in all forms of communication and in all professional relationships. ● Model appropriate boundaries and professional behavior in the discharge of their duties, and conduct educational
● Standard 7: Instructional Strategies and Delivery Teachers understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to motivate learners to develop a comprehensive understanding of theory and methodology, and to build skills to apply the knowledge in meaningful and effective ways. ● Standard 8: Observation and Assessment Teachers understand and use multiple methods of assessment to engage and receive feedback from learners in their own growth, to observe and evaluate learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making. ● Standard 9: Professional Development and Ethical Conduct Teachers participate in ongoing learning activities, engage in self-reflection, and receive input from others on the performance of their duties to increase their knowledge and skills. They bring a high level of ethical awareness to their work with learners and colleagues, and maintain a healthy balance in their professional life. ● Standard 10: Collaboration Teachers participate in activities that advance the art and science of massage therapy through collaboration with colleagues and other education and health care professionals. (Alliance for Massage therapy Education, 2012). programs in a manner that acknowledges and protects students’ boundaries and privacy on all levels. ● Teach students to represent themselves honestly and to provide only those services for which they have the training and experience to provide. ● Treat AFMTE members with respect, and refrain from disparaging or discrediting other members to the general public and/or other AFMTE members. ● Know, understand and uphold prevailing educational, ethical and professional standards that apply to the institution, and its faculty, staff and students. ● Honor the copyright of others educational materials, intellectual property, and proprietary training techniques. In addition, schools and continuing education providers shall: ● Comply with all applicable standards and operational requirements from external entities; including federal education agencies, accrediting commissions, state/ provincial educational licensing authorities, or state/ provincial massage therapy boards. ● Ensure that the institution is free from sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, and ● refrain from using sexually suggestive or explicit advertising or business promotions. ● Support faculty, staff and directors in obtaining ongoing education for their professional development. Advance understanding of the mechanisms through which mind and body approaches affect health, resiliency, and well-being: ● Mind and body approaches such as meditation, spinal manipulation, massage, yoga, tai chi, hypnosis, and acupuncture, are being studied for their effects on a variety of symptoms and on resiliency and well-being. To design and carry out rigorous clinical research on these approaches, it is important to have insight into their biological effects and the mechanisms of action by which these approaches impact physiology. Going forward, NCCIH investments will emphasize fundamental research to advance the understanding of the mechanisms through which mind and body approaches affect health. ● Develop new and improved research methods and tools for conducting rigorous studies of complementary health approaches and their integration into health care. ● Rigorous research on complementary health approaches requires well-established methodology, including valid, reliable, and relevant research tools and outcome measures.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care: 2016 strategic plan The new 2016 strategic plan was developed as part of the NIH overall plan for healthcare, was developed in cooperation with NCCIH staff, stakeholders, and scientific advisors. It serves as a blueprint to guide the development and expansion of mind and body approaches to health which include massage and bodywork professions. Five objectives are included in the plan, which outline clinical research, practical evaluation of client health outcomes, coordination of multidisciplinary practice and research, as well as dissemination of results using a wide variety of methods. A summary of objectives and strategies related to massage and bodywork are included below (NCCIH, 2016c). Objective 1: Advance Fundamental Science and Methods Development
Fundamental scientific inquiry is essential to the progress of biomedicine by enhancing the understanding of how living systems work. This understanding serves as a foundation for translational and clinical studies that can lead to improved approaches to the management, treatment, and prevention of diseases and symptoms.
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Book Code: MLA1224
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