FIELD PRACTICUM & SEMINAR I

Course Details

Course Number: 4236  Section Number: 101

Fall 2011

Location: Martin Hall

Classroom Number: 106

Days & Times:

Mondays 1:00 PM to 2:50 PM



Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member
Carol Bisbee   
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Course Objectives

 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

Graduates demonstrate the ability to:

 

Introduction of Objectives:

All of the following field objectives are introduced through the learning contract. The learning contract establishes the requirements for student field learning as well as the basis for evaluation of student field performance. The student and the field instructor plan jointly for the assignments and learning to be accomplished during the field experience. The contract provides guidelines that are congruent with introducing each of the field objectives.

 

Evaluation of Field Objectives:  Evaluation of student field performance is a collaborative process that is ongoing throughout the year. The Student Field Performance evaluation document measures the field objectives.  The performance evaluation form is completed at the end of both Field I and Field II.

 

Students are rated by the field instructor

N= The field supervisor does not have evidence needed to make a judgment.  The student may or may not have developed this skill.  Not know.

 

1= The student has not yet developed this skill.

 

2= Demonstrates the skill at a beginning level.  Performance is uneven.  Needs time and practice.

 

3=  The skill is usually applied, but there are gaps.

 

4=  The skill is a well-integrated part of the student’s stance and style.

                                      

 

Objective A-1 (P.O. 1)

Students will apply critical thinking skills, and empirical knowledge of a generalist social work practice in the initial assessment through goal setting, implementation, evaluation and termination.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism:  End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

 

 Problem Identification

A.  Is able to identify specific problems from the perspective of                              N  1  2  3  4

                 the client *

B.  Is able to identify specific problems from the perspective                                  N  1  2  3  4

                of significant others 

C.  Is able to identify specific problems from the perspective                                  N  1  2  3  4

     of relevant theory    

D.  Is able to identify specific problems from the perspective of                              N  1  2  3  4      

     relevant research  

 

* “Client” may refer to an individual, couple, family, small group, large group,

              organization or community. 

 

 

 

Assessment

 

A.  Is able to identify specific areas to strengthen in micro,                                    N  1  2  3  4

                 mezzo, and macro system

B.  Is able to identify resources and needs                                                           N  1  2  3  4

C.  Is able to identify strengths in the micro, mezzo, and macro                             N  1  2  3  4

                  system

 

D.  Ability to identify developmental stages across the life span                              N  1  2  3  4

 

Goal Setting, planning, contracting

 

A.  Demonstrates ability to set goals based on assessment                                    N  1  2  3  4

B.  Demonstrates respect of people’s right to self determination                             N  1  2  3  4

C.  Ability to form partnerships and work with clients in setting goals,                     N  1  2  3  4 

                planning and contracting 

D.  Utilizes research in the planning process                                                         N  1  2  3  4

 

Implementation 

 

A.  Demonstrates effective listening skills                                                            N  1  2  3  4

B.  Demonstrates effective problem solving skills                                                  N  1  2  3  4

C.  Demonstrates knowledge of interventions with different client                           N  1  2  3  4

                systems

D.  Is knowledgeable about and effectively uses existing agency                            N  1  2  3  4

                and community resources

E.  Demonstrates effective crisis intervention                                                        N  1  2  3  4

F.  Demonstrates effective case management                                                       N  1  2  3  4

G.  Demonstrates effective counseling skills                                                          N  1  2  3  4

H.  Demonstrates effective teaching skills                                                 N  1  2  3  4

 

 Evaluation

 

A.  Helps client* and others to evaluate movement toward                                    N  1  2  3  4

                agreed-upon goals

B.  Demonstrates ability to evaluate own practice process                                     N  1  2  3  4 

                 and outcomes

 

Termination

 

A.  Plans appropriately for the ending phase with client* and others                        N  1  2  3  4

B.  Demonstrates understanding of client* reactions to termination             N  1  2  3  4

                and the separation experience

C.  Demonstrates understanding of own reactions to termination                            N  1  2  3  4

                and the separation experience

 

* “Client” may refer to an individual, couple, family, small group, large group,

   organization or community.

 

 

Objective A-2 (P.O.2)

            Students will be able to practice with the values, ethics and principles of the social work profession.  

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation of objective.  End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

1.  Consistently adheres to values and ethics of the profession per NASW

                and the Texas Code of conduct for Social Workers.                            N  1 2   3  4                                                                                

2.  Consistently recognizes own strengths and limitations                           N  1  2  3  4 

                as a professional social worker

3.  Reads professional literature and attends professional                          N  1  2  3  4  

                work-shops, seminars and in-service during field hours

                as approved by supervisors

 

 

Objective A- 4 (P.O. 6)

Students will be able to utilize the skills and knowledge of a generalist social work perspective to   work with systems of all sizes.

 

Introduction of Objective:  Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism:  End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

To demonstrate ability to work with different size systems

1.  Is able to work effectively with individuals                                                       N  1  2  3   4 

2.  Is able to work effectively with couples/dyads                                               N  1  2  3   4

3.  I able to work effectively with families                                                                      N  1  2  3   4

4.  Is able to work effectively with small groups (less than 15)                               N  1  2  3   4

5.  Is able to work effectively with large groups (15 or more)                                N  1  2  3   4

6.  Is able to work effectively with colleagues                                                   N  1  2   3   4

7.  Is able to work effectively with different agencies                                         N  1  2   3   4

8.  Is able to work effectively within the community                                          N  1  2   3   4

 

 

 Objective A- 5 (P.O. 11)

Students will utilize the use of supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism:  End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

To demonstrate use of supervision

1.  Comes to supervisor with questions and ready to accept                                   N  1  2  3  4

                new information

2.  Responds non-defensively and attempts to incorporate                         N  1  2  3  4

                supervisors’ suggestions into job performance

3.  Consults with supervisory personnel when appropriate                                    N  1  2  3  4

                and makes independent decisions when appropriate

 

 Objective B-1 (P.O. 3)

Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge and skills related to client’s age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, material status, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism:

1.  Consistently demonstrates respect for client dignity and worth                          N  1  2  3  4

2.  Consistently demonstrates awareness of and appropriate                                  N  1  2  3  4

                management of, own feelings/values/prejudices

3.  Consistently demonstrates warmth, empathy, and openness                             N  1  2  3  4

                with clients

4. Practices without discrimination                                                                       N  1  2  3  4

4.  Appropriately assertive with coworkers and clients                                           N  1  2  3  4 

5.  Consistently is able to establish effective working relationships                           N  1  2  3  4

                with clients and coworkers of differing backgrounds

6.  Frequently able to work with mandated clients                                                 N  1  2  3  4

           

Objective B- 2 (P.O. 4)

Students will be able to identify the forms and mechanisms of historical and current discrimination and oppression and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism: End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

 

A.  Is able to identify needed changes in social policy or                                        N  1  2  3  4

                 Legislation (special attention on discrimination and oppression)

B.  Is able to critically analyze strengths and weaknesses of                                  N  1  2  3  4

                 social and political environment and barriers to change with

                 particular attention to  historical and current forms of oppression

                 and discrimination.

C.  Is able to develop a realistic action plan for change                                          N  1  2  3  4

D.  Is able to participate effectively in social or political                                         N  1  2  3  4

                change efforts

 

Objective C- 1 (P.O. 5)          

Students will be able to interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues.

 

A. Is able to interpret the history of the social work profession and identify    N  1  2  3 4

    The contemporary structures and issues

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism: End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

Objective C- 2 (P.O. 8)

Students will be able to analyze, formulate and influence social policy.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism: End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

 

A.  Is able to identify needed changes in social policy or                                        N  1  2  3  4

    Legislation (special attention on discrimination and oppression) 

B.  Is able to critically analyze strengths and weaknesses of                                  N  1  2  3  4

                social and political environment and barriers to change with

                particular attention to  historical and current forms of oppression

                and discrimination.

C.  Is able to develop a realistic action plan for change                                          N  1  2  3  4

D.  Is able to participate effectively in social or political                                         N  1  2  3  4

                change efforts           

 

Objective C-3 (P.O.9)

Students will be able to evaluate research to practice, apply research to practice and be able to evaluate own practice.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism: End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

D.  Utilizes research in the planning process                                                         N  1  2  3  4

 

I.  Applies research to practice                                                                            N  1  2  3  4

 

B.  Demonstrates ability to evaluate own practice process                                     N  1  2  3  4 

                 and outcomes

 

Objective C-4 (P.O. 10)

Students will be able to communicate differentially across client populations,        colleagues, and communities.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism: End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

1.  Ability to accurately reflect verbalized content and feeling                                 N  1  2  3  4 

 

2.  Ability to accurately perceive nonverbal cues                                                   N  1  2  3  4

 

3.  Ability to elicit information through appropriate use of                                       N  1  2  3  4

                 open and closed questions

4.  Ability to appropriately control and use own nonverbal behavior                        N  1  2  3  4

 

 

5.  Ability to verbally convey information in a manner appropriate                          N  1  2  3  4 

                to intended audience (client populations, colleagues, and communities) 

 

6.  Ability to develop well-structured case notes, letters and reports                       N  1  2  3  4 

                free of spelling and grammatical errors

 

7.  Ability to write in manner appropriate to the intended audience             N  1  2  3  4

 

 

         

Objective C-5 (P.O. 12)

Students will be able to function within the structure of organizations and service   delivery systems and seek necessary organizational changes.

 

Introduction of Objective: Learning Contract

 

Evaluation Mechanism:  End of the semester Field Performance Evaluation

 

 

1.  Organizational Change

 

A.  Is able to identify barriers to service delivery and/or limitations                        N  1  2  3  4

                in personal policies

 

B.  Is able to critically analyze strengths and weaknesses of work                          N  1  2  3  4

                environment and barriers to change

 

C.  Is able to develop a realistic action plan for change                                          N  1  2  3  4

 

D.  Is able to participate effectively in organizational reform                                  N  1  2  3  4

 

Community Planning

 

A.  Is able to identify gaps in community services                                                N  1  2  3  4

 

B.  Is able to critically analyze strengths and weaknesses of                                  N  1  2  3  4

               community structure and barriers to change     

 

C.  Is able to develop a realistic action plan for change                                          N  1  2  3  4

 

D.  Is able to participate effectively in community planning                                    N  1  2  3  4

 

 

OBJECTIVES OF FIELD SEMINAR I :

          1.To develop skill in interviewing, empathic responding, and understanding of clients in their specific situations.

          2.To develop skill in the use of the problem-solving model.

          3.To develop professional values and an appreciation for the unique concerns and needs of all clients, especially people of color and women.

          4.To develop an understanding of, appreciation for human dynamics and social behavior.

          5.To develop an ability to effectively utilize social work supervision to enhance practice effectiveness.

          6.To develop and/or improve work habits.

          7.To develop an understanding or agency structure and function, including knowledge about funding and specific problems, which characterize the agency.

          8.To develop knowledge of, and skills in utilization of agency and community resources.

          9.To develop the student=s identity as a member of the social work profession.

        10.      Function professionally within an organizational environment.

 

OUTCOMES:

      Students will be able to:

           1.     Critically assess field experiences and give and receive both support and criticism.

           2.     To use the values and ethics of the social work profession as a guide for practice.


 

            3.     To recognize personal values, characteristics, patterns of interaction, preferences and 

                     culturally influenced beliefs and to understand ways in which personal identity can be used

                     to  promote or hinder effective, ethical, social work practice.

            4.      To show commitment to social justice and non-discrimination in service delivery on behalf

                     of oppressed groups including racial/ethnic minorities, the aged, women, and others who

                     are systematically disadvantaged.

            5.      To understand the institutional nature of social welfare in our society, the networks by

                     which social services are delivered, and the processes by which social policy and programs

                     are formulated; to assess the need for, and to influence change in, this system to better meet                       the needs of clients.

            6.      To demonstrate basic knowledge, understanding, and skill in applying the methods of

                     social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

            7.      To know and understand the commonalities in human development through the life cycle in

                     addition to variations in development, behavior, and social interaction due to individual                              and cultural diversity in our pluralistic society.

            8.      To use the basic approaches and tools of systematic inquiry in a variety of practice settings.

            9.      To demonstrate continued professional growth through systematic self-evaluation, positive                        participation in the supervisory process, self-initiated efforts to keep abreast of the

                     expanding social work knowledge base, and affiliation with professional colleagues.

           10.     To work within a structured delivery system in a manner that simultaneously meets the  

                     needs of clients and fulfills the functions of the service system, while holding oneself

                     accountable to the values, standards, and ethics of the profession. 

                     Cultural  

         


Course Expectations

  

ASSIGNMENTS

 

1. Class Participation

 

2.  Performance evaluation in agency.

 


 

A LEARNING CONTRACT which outlines your goals and objectives for your field placement (see materials on reserve) to be developed in consultation with your field instructor. If, during the year, you feel you need to re-negotiate this contract, the field instructor should be involved. You will be graded on your progress toward meeting the objectives of your learning contract.

 

       FIELD EVALUATIONS

a..Field Supervisor=evaluation of your performance and professional growth.

            b.    Your evaluation of your placement supervisor and agency.

 

2.  Field Logs: Student documentation of activities performed in agency

 

200-HOUR MINIMUM

Students must complete a minimum of 200 hours in the Practicum during the semester, and these hours must be verified by the Field Instructor. Completion of these 200 hours must occur no later than the end of Week 14.


Submission Format Policy

 

: This course is designed to integrate the generalist social work foundation knowledge and skills in actual social work settings. Cooperatively run by faculty and students, Field Seminar 4236 is not simply another lecture class. It provides an open forum for the exchange of ideas, feelings and experiences. It is a vehicle to examine issues and test out practice principles and values. It should also encourage the use of new understanding and the discussion of conflicting messages about theory vs. the "real world." Students should be able to use the seminar to learn to critically assess their field experiences and to give and receive both support and criticism. Discussions in the seminar are confidential, unless ethical considerations dictate otherwise.

 200-HOUR MINIMUM

Students must complete a minimum of 200 hours in the Practicum during the semester, and these hours must be verified by the Field Instructor. Completion of these 200 hours must occur no later than the end of Week 14.

GRADING

A point system will be used to determine the course grade, based on the following performance criteria:

 

Class Participation                                                                       100 possible

       Performance in Agency Setting (Due Week 15)                         200 possible

 

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS                                                     300 points

 

300-267 points = A

266-233 points = B

232-199 points = C

Students receiving 198 points or less will receive a failing grade. 

 

The Field Instructor's Evaluation Form (Field Manual, appendix C) will be used by the social work faculty in evaluating the student's overall performance. Dimensions rated will be: values, practice knowledge and skills, personal/professional self and development, and communication skills. The following ratings on the evaluation form will determine the points you receive

                                                  90% of ratings are five   = A or 200 points

                                                  90% of ratings are four  = B or 160 points

                                                  90% of ratings are three = C or 100 points

 A field grade less than C is considered failing and the practicum will have to be repeated.                                                

                     



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

 

DUE DEC 5TH Please place your entire portfolio into a folder with your name written on the outside of the folder. It is to be turned into my office by 1:00 Monday. Any one who turns the portfolio in after 1:00 will lose points.

Portfolio:

1.Field Evaluation Face Sheet (Must be signed by the Field Instructor and student

2.Undergraduate Final Performance Evaluation(completed by Field Instructor Continued on the next page)

3. Undergraduate Final Performance Evaluation Signature Page.

4.Student’s Evaluation Form of agency

5. Field Placement Time Sheet (signed by Field Instructor and Student)

6.  Weekly Logs


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

 

ATTENDANCE:

Each unexcused absence will result in subtraction of 50 points from the student's accumulated total at the end of the course. An absence will be considered officially excused if the student:

          a.Presents a written excuse from the Office of Student Affairs.

          b.Presents a written excuse from a physician.

          c.Presents written documentation of attending a mandatory function (e.g., basketball team, band, etc.).

          d.Obtains permission from the instructor in advance of the absence.


Other Policies

 

 


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.