They may work with students in groups, but need to use judgment in determining when an individual student may need more time. This does not mean that the supervisor has to be in line of sight for the entire six hours. Instead, the supervisor has to be a role model for the student initially, and later be available, in contact with, and aware of the student's practice for a minimum of six hours. It is understood that supervision begins with more direct supervision and gradually decreases to indirect supervision as the student demonstrates competence. While the Standard refers to supervision provided by the occupational therapy practitioner, a back-up professional person should be identified as available to the student on site.
Collaboration is to work together with a mutual sharing of thought and ideas.
Cooperation is to work together toward a common end or purpose, where there is an implied hierarchy among the participants, as with the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant. In order to develop a successful working relationship between the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant, it is critical that students, faculty, and practitioners understand how to employ collaboration, cooperation and mutual respect for success in the therapeutic process. Stephen Heater, Ed. Standards for an Accredited Educational Program for the Occupational Therapist. American Occupational Therapy Association.