Foundation Degree in Psychology and Criminal Behaviour Psychology and criminology in Practice. (Work based learning) PSY014-1 Tutor: Judy Mudge [email protected] e-mail (01908 688254) [email protected] Introduction to the Module. (Work Based Learning) ‘The module aims to offer students the opportunity to understand, assess and interpret the way in which psychological and criminological knowledge can be applied to particular work contexts. ‘(UOB specification)’ You are expected to complete a minimum of 30 hours in a work placement relevant to the course. You may be shadowing, working alongside volunteers or employees performing a designated role or all three. Examples of student placements are Turning Point (drug rehabilitation support), Headway (Centre for acquired brain damage), Prince’s Trust, Local Behavioural Units, Day care for the elderly, MIND (mental health organisation) and local schools. You may find your own placement with the tutor’s agreement, or we will introduce you to placements where we already have established links. You will have the opportunity to explore possible organisations during the work based Learning tutorial sessions. Before you begin your placement you will need to sign a code of ethics, (See App.1), where you agree an understanding of the professional/ethical standards expected on placement. At the end of the placement, the supervisor/employer will be asked to complete a simple feedback sheet on how you have managed and progressed. (See app. 2) This could be useful in future job interviews. Each week there is a two hour session to support the module where various work based topics are discussed including students’ experiences and handling difficult situations. We also cover work ethics, professionalism and Mental health issues related to the placements. Regular one to ones to discuss progress, targets and the reflective journal will take place over the year. Aims To provide an understanding of the complexities of working with professionals and clients within a professional/voluntary work based environment. To link learning to practical situations. To apply knowledge gained on the programme. To demonstrate ways in which psychological and/or Criminological knowledge can be applied in practical situations To further develop understanding of the theories and perspectives studied. To provide support in the implementation of the studies in work related placements and case studies. Core Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes On completion of this unit you should be able to: 1. 2 3 Demonstrate ways in which criminological, legal or psychological knowledge are applied within the area in which they worked Work with mentor in work based environment or with case study Show evidence of reflection on their own performance and on the nature of the placement. Communicate information relevant to a task related to work placement 4 Assessment Criteria To achieve the learning outcome you must demonstrate the ability to: Identify relevant psychological or criminological study material and information State how they apply to the context in which they are working Take responsibility for decisions about learning Develop short term targets and plan how they will be met Show evidence of reflection on skills and development of own learning Present findings to group orally Report findings in written report Use appropriate writing style & genre 5 Consider ethical and other issues when in the work place Show evidence of applying or considering ethical requirements in a work setting Teaching Schedule Week Oct. 8 Oct 15 Oct 22 Oct. 25 Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Jan. 7 Jan. 14 Jan. 21 Jan. 28 Feb. 4 Feb. 11 Feb. 18 Mar. 4 Mar.11 Mar.18 Mar. 25 April 1 April 8 Main Content/Topics Induction activity. Visit to the OU Introduction to the module/Choosing a work placement/procedures Introduction to professionalism and ethics in the work place/Work placement ethical code, (see app.1). One to ones Reading Week Health and safety/individual research on local organisations. Diversity and equal opportunities. Exploring differing groups/cultures/implications for research. Informal presentations on groups/cultural research Up date on work experience / one to ones Developing the work placement journal Work placement journal. Relating theory to practice. Christmas Holiday Week beginning Dec. 20th – Jan. 6th Introduction to mental health issues and implications for work placement. Speaker. Bedford Prison Mental health team manager. Psychosis / schizophrenia OCD Update on work placement. Sharing experiences and one to ones. Eating Disorders. Anxiety disorders Phobias HALF TERM 21st February – 25th February Depression. Working with the homeless. speaker Easter Holiday April 11th – April 22nd April 29 May 6 May 13 May 20 The Work Placement programme is flexible so we can respond to your needs. You will be updating your reflective journal on a regular basis and in addition there will be tutorial discussions and one to ones. It is envisaged there will be continued work placement support and also visits and speakers where possible. Assessment There will be two major assessments. The first is a presentation which will take place during the weekly session in the latter part of the year. You will explain where you went on placement, your role, what you have learnt and how it relates to learning on the programme. This is weighted at 25% of the total mark for the module. The second is a reflective journal, approximately 3000 words, where you will record in more detail your experience, what you have learnt in terms of skills and what skills you feel you would need to develop in this kind of work. You will also need to demonstrate a good understanding of how theory relates to practice. The journal is weighted at 75% of the total mark for the unit. Appendix 1 Foundation Degree Psychology and Criminal Behaviour Work Placement Code of Conduct Check on any rules of conduct in your work placement and ensure that you adhere to them. Recognise and agree the importance of confidentiality. This is in regard to the organisation and to the clients. If you are unsure about how far information is confidential then you must seek advice. An example would be information given to you concerning something illegal. You will usually be expected to work as part of a team. You will need to demonstrate your ability to work with others in a mutually respectful, professional manner. You need to maintain a professional relationship with clients, adhering to an objective and non discriminatory attitude. Check you are sure of heath and safety procedures and ensure that you adhere to them where ever appropriate. Conform to any dress code if relevant Make sure you are reliable and arrive on time on the days you are expected. If you are unable to attend, or are going to be late, contact your supervisor and your tutor as far ahead as possible to explain. While initiative is welcome, make sure you seek advice if any difficult situation should arise. Always be ready to take advice in any circumstances. Signed Student Date Signed Tutor Date Appendix 2 University of Bedfordshire – University Centre of Milton Keynes Work Placement Feedback Sheet. Student Name Name of Supervisor 1st. or 2nd. Year placement Name of Work Placement Start Date and Finish Date / Number of Hours Work Placement Telephone Number Supervisors are requested to complete the following checklist based on the candidate’s performance and return it to the centre at the end of the work experience period. Checklist Poor Good Excellent Adhered to, accepted rules of conduct of the organisation Adhered to the organisation’s health and safety policy Was appropriately dressed at all times Communicated effectively with the supervisor and staff. Communicated effectively with clients Was reliable and punctual at all times Demonstrated a positive attitude Showed initiative Was able to deal with difficult situations Worked well in a team Conducted him/herself in a professional manner. Supervisor comments Signed Date