Practicum 1

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
DACS 1240
Discontinued
No
Course Code
DACS 1240
Descriptive
Practicum 1
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
4.50
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
5 to 15 weeks
Max Class Size
30 (Student to instructor ratio - 1: 7.5)
Contact Hours
160 Hours Face-to-Face: 10 Seminar hours Off-campus: 150 hours
Method(s) Of Instruction
Seminar
Practicum
Learning Activities
  • On-Site Practice and Guidance
  • Seminar
  • Online component: small group discussions or blog
Course Description
This applied course builds on first semester courses and provides opportunities for students to practice skills in selected sites under supervision. Students will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences in practicum and seminar.
Course Content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  1. Learning from experience is a characteristic of exemplary practitioners. Practicum settings create opportunities for students to refine their skills of reflection and adaptation in response to their practice experience.
  2. Learning in a practicum setting provides opportunities to examine assumptions and to explore creative modes of inquiry that is not available in classroom settings.
  3. Field settings provide opportunities to synthesize personal and classroom experiences and create openings for new learning. Learners gain both insight and practice knowledge from field experiences.
  4. Observing, participating with, and receiving guidance from experienced practitioners is crucial for effective practice.
  5. Practitioners who regularly and accurately assess their performance and who set goals for their ongoing professional development is effective in their work.
  6. A well developed personal philosophy of practice is a cornerstone of competent human service practice. A personal philosophy needs to be informed by and respond to practice experiences.
  7. Experience in the field settings allows learners to demonstrate and enhance their abilities to problem solve, be flexible, think creatively and take responsibility for their action.
  8. Reflecting on and evaluating practicum experiences with peers and mentors maximizes field-based learning experiences.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Practice at Competency Level 2, i.e. engages; explores (assists, understands, describes, categorizes, classifies, prioritizes); identifies patterns and themes; takes initative in some areas; compares and contrasts alternatives; practices with moderate supervision; practices with clustered guidance; personal accountability, in the following domains:

  1. Practice ethically and accurately, assessing the quality of own performance.
    • Accurately evaluate own practice
    • Pursue a professional development plan
    • Apply personal and professional values to ethical practice

2. Interpersonal Effectiveness and Leadership

    • Communicate in a caring, respectful and clear manner.
    • Effectively communicate for various purposes and audiences
    • Facilitate caring and respectful interpersonal relationships
    • Demonstrate individual leadership as a team member

3. Theoretical Reasoning

    • Think critically to construct plausible explanations for individual, family and community experiences.
    • Apply elements of critical thinking when problem solving
    • Use theory to explain behaviour and guide actions
    • Think creatively in response to individual needs

 4. Technical Competence

    • Use a variety of strategies to contribute to self-reliance, interdependence and quality of life
    • Promote wellness of self, others and community
    • Build community presence, participation and contribution
    • Strategically facilitate learning
    • Advocate for individual rights and self determination
    • Promote safety of self and others
Means of Assessment

This course uses the mastery grading system and will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation would include a combinatino of:

  • Self-assessment and reflection
  • Mid-point and final interviews
  • Demonstration
  • Oral and Written Presentations
Textbook Materials

TBA

Prerequisites

(DACS 1140 or CCSD 1140) AND (DACS 1150 or CCSD 1150) AND CFCS 1130 AND CCSD 1170

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

CCSD 1240

Which Prerequisite

DACS 2340 or CCSD 2340