Objective : The purpose of this study is to introduce Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to practicing occupational therapists and educators of occupational therapy. PBL is the educational method that has been applied to not only a number of universities abroad but also many domestic universities, especially medical colleges. Method : This study presents the definition and features of PBL, explores the current trends of its application and research, and investigate the example of PBL application to one of the programs in domestic universities. Result : PBL has been applied to the 2002 class of the program of occupational therapy for one year. Then the students of the program were asked to answer a questionnaire that surveyed the improvement of presentation, debate, and problem solving skills. Approximately 70% of the students responded affirmatively. Conclusion : In conclusion, the implication of this study is that when it is necessary to enhance the quality of educational service in the occupational therapy field, this study shows that the possible alternatives include PBL.

The purposes of establishing accreditation standards for the occupational therapy program are to assure the quality of the program and to assist in the development of the program. Accreditation serves the public as accredited programs modify their requirements to reflect changes in knowledge and practice generally accepted in the field. To students, accreditation provides an assurance that the educational activities of an accredited program have been found to be satisfactory, and therefore meet the needs of students. Also it assists in the transfer of credits between institutions, or in the admission of students to advanced degrees through the general acceptance of credits among accredited institutions when the performance of the students has been satisfactory and the credits to be transferred are appropriate to the receiving institution. The occupational therapy programs benefit from accreditation through the stimulus provided for self-evaluation and self-directed program improvement and strengthening of program self-evaluation by the review and counsel provided through the accrediting agency. At the same time, this process enhances the reputation of an accredited program because of public regard for accreditation. Lastly, the profession of occupational therapy can be strengthened by contributing to the unity of the professions in an activity directed at improving professional preparation and professional practice.

Nowadays, there are many issues in introducing accreditation of occupational therapy education in Korea. Accreditation is a system for recognizing educational institutions and professional programs affiliated to those institutions on a level of performance, integrity, and quality which entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public they serve. I believe accreditation system in the United States is well-established through nongovernmental, voluntary institutional or professional association. On the basis of analyzing accreditation system of the United States, this study introduces the arrangement for establishing of accreditation policy in Korea.