Therapeutic Recreation Practice: Degree

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
THRT 2455
Descriptive
Therapeutic Recreation Practice: Degree
Department
Therapeutic Recreation
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
4.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
20
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Seminar: 10 hours/semester

and

Practicum: 150 hours/semester

Method(s) of instruction
Seminar
Practicum
Learning activities

In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as guided field practice and seminar discussions.

Course description
In this degree practicum course, students engage in experiential learning through supervised work alongside practitioners and participants in selected sites. Students integrate theory and philosophy with professional practice. Students will observe and conduct assessments and will design, implement and evaluate individual and group program plans. Demonstration of activity analysis and adaptation will be assessed as students lead small group activities. Throughout practicum, students will establish effective working relations with TR practitioners and interdisciplinary teams that offer therapeutic recreation and health promotion services.
Course content

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

  • Experiential learning is critical for professional practice. Learners gain both insight and practice knowledge from field experiences.
  • Observing, participating with, and receiving feedback from experienced practitioners is crucial for effective practice.
  • Designing, implementing, and evaluating individual and group programs develops group facilitation/leadership skills and enhances understanding of group dynamics.
  • Demonstrating the ability to analyze and adapt activities enhances group facilitation and leadership skills.
  • Observing and conducting assessments and learning APIE develop competencies in TR assessment process.
  • Observing and engaging with clients through systematic processes develops therapeutic recreation skills and therapeutic relationship building skills.
  • Practicum experiences provide opportunities to develop self-reflective practice skills and advance critical thinking skills.
  • Experience in practicum settings allows learners to demonstrate and enhance their abilities to problem solve, be flexible, think creatively, and take responsibility for their actions. A well-developed philosophy of practice and professional behavior are cornerstones of competent human service practice.
Learning outcomes

Appropriate to the context of the TR setting, upon the successful completion of the practicum course the student should be able to:

  • Articulate an understanding of the Recreation Therapist’s role and scope of practice in an interdisciplinary setting following the CTRA Standards of Practice.
  • Demonstrate professional behaviour, including ethical values and practices following the CTRA Code of Ethics.
  • Seek, reflect upon, and integrate feedback on one’s professional practice while demonstrating critical thinking skills.
  • Develop and demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with participants/clients in both individual and group settings.
  • Connect and reflect upon TR theories and practices as they intersect with practice at the setting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize assessment tools and document participant/client progress. 
  • Develop, facilitate, and evaluate individual and group therapeutic recreation activities, using leadership skills and group facilitation techniques, including activity analysis.
  • Demonstrate awareness of group processes, activity adaptation and an understanding of the group dynamics that influence Therapeutic Recreation programming.
Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a  Mastery/Non-Mastery graded course.

Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:

  • Demonstration of skills
  • Written assignments
  • Mid-point and Final evaluations

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of a student’s grade performance.  Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor’s course outline and allowed for in the course curriculum guideline.

This course may have an assignment that has been identified as part of the TR Department Research Framework and therefore the assignment must be passed at a minimum of a C (60%) level in order for a student to achieve a C (60%) final grade in the course. Each course outline will clearly identify these research framework assignments if relevant.

All students in the Therapeutic Recreation program, both diploma and degree students, are required to attain Mastery in mastery based courses that are used towards completion of a Diploma and/or Degree in Therapeutic Recreation in order to progress in the program.

Textbook materials

N/A

Prerequisites

A minimum of 60% (C letter grade) in THRT 2307 and THRT 2308 and THRT 2309 and THRT 2302

Practicum  requirements are mandated by the Health Authorities, individual sites and Public Health orders and will be communicated by the program to each student.  These could include: a negative TB test; proof of common updated vaccinations; recent flu shot; and a clear criminal record check for vulnerable populations. 

Students must complete all clinical requirements prior to the first day of practicum/internship or access to the site may be denied.

 

Corequisites
Equivalencies

None

Which prerequisite