Fieldwork (FW) plays a crucial role in occupational therapy (OT) education by fostering students to become competent entry-level practitioners. Reflective journaling promotes increased competence in OT FW students. The Kawa Model can be used as a journaling framework that uses metaphorical illustrations to self-reflect. It has been described as useful in multiple contexts. No study has yet investigated the use of the Kawa Model as a self-reflection tool with OT FW students. Video self-reflections of their Kawa Model drawings and audio recorded semi-structured interviews were used to explore Level II FW students’ perceptions of the usefulness of the Kawa Model. Seven themes emerged from the qualitative analysis, all pivoting around the concept of the usefulness of the Kawa model for self-reflection and the model’s ability to authentically represent the OT students’ Level II FW experience. Overall, the results suggest that Level II FW students find the Kawa Model useful for self-reflection. The students reported that the structure and metaphorical illustrations used in the Kawa model were true to their professional growth during their FW experience. The Kawa Model may be a unique way to foster OT students’ authentic view and appreciation of all relevant and meaningful aspects of their FW journey
