Undergraduate Student Field Manual A Guide for Students (Revised May 2014) T ABLE OF C ONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Purpose of Field Practicum ............................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Sequence Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Faculty Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 3 2. B.S.W. STUDENT ENTRY STREAMS ......................................................................................... 3 2.1 Regular Stream (FGSWP) ................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Concentrated Stream (FGSWP) and Accelerated Stream (ICSWP) ...................................... 4 2.3 Regular Stream (ICSWP) .................................................................................................................... 5 2.4 Distance Delivery Social Work Program (DDSWP) ................................................................... 6 2.5 Northern Bachelor of Social Work Program in Thompson (NBSWP) ................................. 6 3. PRE-‐MASTER PROGRAM ............................................................................................................ 6 4. KEY DATES – REGULAR SESSION – FGSWP and ICSWP ..................................................... 6 5. IMPORTANT DATES FOR PLACEMENT PLANNING ............................................................ 7 5.1 Placements .............................................................................................................................................. 8 6. PROCESS TASKS ............................................................................................................................ 8 6.1 Field Instruction Process ................................................................................................................... 8 6.2 Orientation .......................................................................................................................................... 10 6.3 Contracting .......................................................................................................................................... 12 6.4 Learning Opportunities ................................................................................................................... 15 6.5 Monitoring Process ........................................................................................................................... 16 6.6 Student-‐Instructor Individual Conference ................................................................................ 18 6.7 Logs ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 6.7.1 Purpose of Log ................................................................................................................................................ 19 6.7.2 Types of Logs .................................................................................................................................................. 19 6.7.3 Guidelines for Keeping Student Field Records ................................................................................. 19 Brief Summary Log Content .............................................................................................................................. 19 6.8 Group Conferences and Unit Meetings ....................................................................................... 20 6.8.1 Group Conferences ....................................................................................................................................... 20 7. INSURANCE ................................................................................................................................... 20 8. FIELD INSTRUCTION GUIDELINES AND POLICIES ........................................................... 21 8.1 Field Instruction and Field/Focus Course ................................................................................. 21 8.2 Field Instruction Taken at Place of Employment ................................................................... 21 8.2.1 Eligibility Criteria for Field Instruction to be Taken at their Place of Employment ........ 22 ii 8.2.2 Procedures to Apply for Field Instruction at their Place of Employment ............................ 22 8.3 Additional Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 23 8.4 Immunization Policy ........................................................................................................................ 24 8.5 Voluntary Withdrawal Policy on Field Instruction Courses ............................................... 24 9. FIELD INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES .............................................................................................. 25 9.1 Field Education Coordinator ......................................................................................................... 25 9.2 Faculty-‐Field Liaison ........................................................................................................................ 25 9.2.1 Faculty-‐Field Liaison Tasks ...................................................................................................................... 26 9.3 Field Instructor .................................................................................................................................. 27 9.4 In-‐Agency Program Supervisor (On-‐Site Resource Person) ............................................... 29 9.5 Student .................................................................................................................................................. 30 10. EVALUATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 31 10.1 Student Evaluation ......................................................................................................................... 31 10.1.1 Logistic ............................................................................................................................................................ 31 10.1.2 Field Evaluation Form .............................................................................................................................. 32 10.1.3 The Process ................................................................................................................................................... 33 10.2 Program Evaluation ....................................................................................................................... 34 10.2.1 Student Response to Course and Instructor Form ...................................................................... 34 10.2.2 Student Response to Agency-‐Setting Form ..................................................................................... 35 APPENDIX 1 – COURSE OUTLINE ................................................................................................... 36 APPENDIX 2 -‐ FIELD EVALUATION FORMS ................................................................................ 45 APPENDIX 3 – .................................................................................................................................... 194 NON-‐TRADITIONAL PLACEMENT ADDENDUM ...................................................................... 194 APPENDIX 4 – .................................................................................................................................... 198 WRHA FAST FACT FORM ............................................................................................................... 198 APPENDIX 5 – .................................................................................................................................... 203 STUDENT EVALUATIONS OF FIELD INSTRUCTOR(s)/FIELD SITE ................................... 203 APPENDIX 6 – .................................................................................................................................... 208 CONFIDENTIALITY CODE .............................................................................................................. 208 APPENDIX 7 – .................................................................................................................................... 212 SAMPLE TIME LOG .......................................................................................................................... 212 Sample Time Log ....................................................................................................................................... 213 iii APPENDIX 7A – ................................................................................................................................. 214 FIELD PLACEMENT TIME LOG ..................................................................................................... 214 APPENDIX 8 – .................................................................................................................................... 216 PROFESSIONAL UNSUITABILITY BY-‐LAW ............................................................................... 216 APPENDIX 9 – .................................................................................................................................... 222 FIELD INSTRUCTION AT PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT – POLICY AND GUIDELINES ......... 222 APPENDIX 10 – ................................................................................................................................. 227 STATEMENT OF STUDENT AND FACULTY OBLIGATIONS .................................................. 227 APPENDIX 11 – ................................................................................................................................. 229 PREVENTING BED BUG INFESTATION ...................................................................................... 229 iv 1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Student Field Manual is to provide an overview of the program and guidelines for students. It describes the process for setting up a practicum placement, the expectations of the partners in the placement process, and the development of learning goals and objectives. The contact persons for the Field program are: Kelly Scott Field Education Coordinator Fort Garry Social Work Program (FGSWP) and Inner City Social Work Program (ICSWP) Telephone: (204) 474-8300 E-mail: [email protected] Janet Brady Field Education Coordinator Northern Bachelor of Social Work Program (NBSWP) in Thompson Telephone: (204) 677-1456 E-mail: [email protected] Joan Churley Field Education Coordinator Distance Delivery Social Work Program (DDSWP) Telephone: (204) 474-6812 E-mail: [email protected] The practicum in field education is the only course which is largely fulfilled at a workplace setting where students seek to integrate their theoretical skills and experiences through direct contact with clients, community development activities and policy analysis. The practicum also provides opportunities for practitioners to engage in cutting-edge theoretical discussions through their links with students and the university, and for faculty, through their liaison in the field, to engage in meaningful dialogue which acknowledges and incorporates the richness of agency-based practices in the classroom. The field education course is pivotal in many schools since it can lead to 1 professional collaborative research partnerships on education. We live in a diverse society where we struggle with shifting global and societal challenges. The field is ideally situated for incorporating shifting changes to practice and stimulating critical thinking and dialogue about socio-political issues.1 1.1 PURPOSE OF F IE L D P R A C T IC U M The Field Practicum has a unique and central contribution to make in any social work faculty. The purpose of field instruction is to ensure that students have appropriately sequenced social work practice experiences in community agency settings. Educationally focused instruction brings to consciousness the self-awareness and discipline required of a professional practitioner. This occurs through a series of progressively more demanding practice situations. It is the branch of the curriculum in which the student actually practices in order to learn. Field experience gives the student the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to practice in a variety of settings and fields. 1.2 S E Q U E N C E O B JE C T IV E S The objectives and curriculum of the field sequence are seen as an integral part of the B.S.W. and Pre-M.S.W. social work program. The student is expected to demonstrate: 1) the ability to take a comprehensive approach to the practice of social work; 2) a grasp of knowledge for practice, and the theories and principles that guide it; 3) commitment to carry out social work activities in accordance with ethical, valuebased practice, and continued professional development; 4) the ability to use a range of assessment and relationship skills needed to intervene effectively; and 5) commitment to social enquiry that includes a critical approach to theory and practice. 1 Transforming the Field, Narda Razack. Ferwood Publishing: Halifax, 2002, page 10. 2 1.3 F A C U L T Y R E Q U IR E M E N T S The B.S.W. field sequence is defined in the University of Manitoba calendar as consisting of two courses: SWRK 3150 and SWRK 4120. The Pre-M.S.W. program requires one field course (SWRK 6050). See Appendix 1 for Course Outlines: SWRK 3150, SWRK 4020, and SWRK 6050. 2. B.S.W. STUDENT ENTRY STREAMS BSW students enter a field education in a particular stream. Each has implications for the amount of time that students are responsible for being at their field placement. The various streams are: 1. Regular Stream – Fort Garry Social Work Program (FGSWP). 2. Concentrated Stream (FGSWP) and accelerated Stream (ICSWP). 3. Regular Stream – Inner City Social Work Program (ICSWP). 4. Regular or Accelerated Stream – Distance Delivery (DD) Program. 5. Regular Stream – Northern B.S.W. Program (NBSWP). Note: Collège Universitaire de Saint Boniface (CUSB) has a French social work program which offers two regular stream field experiences. 2.1 R E G U L A R S T R E A M (FGSWP) This stream includes those students who have completed 30-48 credit hours of general university study prior to admission to the Faculty of Social Work. The student will have completed four pre-requisite courses to be eligible for Field Instruction SWRK 3150, namely: 1. Introduction to Social Welfare Policy Analysis SWRK 1310. 2. Interpersonal Communication Skills SWRK 2080. 3. Human Behaviour and Social Work Practice SWRK 2090. 4. Introduction to Social Work Practice SWRK 3140. FGSWP Regular Stream students complete approximately 420 hours of field (based on 7.5 hours per day) in SWRK 3150 (first field) and SWRK 4120 (final field). 3 To be eligible for Field Instruction SWRK 4120, students will have successfully completed Field Instruction SWRK 3150 and be able to complete all other course requirements in the same academic year that the Field Instruction SWRK 4120 course is completed. 2.2 C O N C E N T R A T E D S T R E A M (FGSWP) (ICSWP) AND ACCELERATED STREAM Students who have completed 51 credit hours of general university study prior to admission into the B.S.W. Program, maintained a minimum average of 3.0, and who have completed all course work, except SWRK 3150 and SWRK 4120 along with the co-requisite SWRK 4200 and SWRK 4300, are eligible for the concentrated field program (FGSWP). For Inner City Social Work Program, accelerated field allows students to undertake Field Instruction 1 (SWRK 3150) and Field Instruction 2 (SWRK 4120) in one field placement per week for a total of 840 hours. Students who are approved to take Accelerated Field must also register for two co-requisite Field/Focus of Social Work Practice (SWRK 4200 and SWRK 4300) courses. ICSWP students who have completed 75 credit hours including the four foundation courses (SWRK 1310, SWRK 2080, SWRK 2090 and SWRK 3140) and have maintained a minimum Degree Grade Point Average (DGPA) of 3.0 and Subject Grade Point Average (SGPA) of 3.0 are eligible to apply for Accelerated Field. Students in request of Accelerated Field must attach to their Field Placement Request Form a written request to the Director of Inner City Social Work Program indicating an interest in an Accelerated Field Placement. Requests must be handed in on time and are due at least 75 calendar days prior to the term that the student will commence. In Concentrated or Accelerated Stream, students are at their field placement for four days per week 7.5 hours per day, both terms (14 weeks each term - one study week break in second term). Educational instructional activity is included in this time. Students attend field in only one agency or placement and undertake SWRK 3150 from September to December and undertake SRWK 4120 from January to April. This limitation is based on the rationale that students in this stream must integrate a substantial amount of knowledge in a relatively short period of time. Adjustment to a 4 second placement half-way through the field experience would reduce the opportunities for increased responsibilities and roles as well as weaken the opportunities for students’ integration of theory and practice. Distance Delivery Social Work Program Students wanting to take Accelerated Stream Field Placement must meet the same criteria as required of students at ICSWP and follow the same process and timelines for determining eligibility. 2.3 R E G U L A R S T R E A M (ICSWP) Students from the ICSWP function the same as the FGSWP students in the regular stream with the same pre- and co-requisites. ICSWP Regular Stream students complete 500 hours of field (based on 7.5 hours per day) in SWRK 3150 (first field) and SWRK 4120 (final field). Three differences are that: £ the date for the end of first term occurs in the middle of February rather than December, £ the second term in both years is a block placement, requiring the student to attend their field placement three days per week, and £ the study week in second term coincides with Spring Break at public schools. A Field Instructor may provide instruction to students in any combination of these streams. The stream will influence the pacing of the instruction. Students in more intensive field streams will require more frequent field instruction contact. The Field Instructor will generally establish weekly contact time for educational instruction (individual or group) purposes. THE SPECIFIC DATES OF TERMS AND STUDY WEEKS ARE DISTRIBUTED AS "D A T E S T O R E M E M B E R - A Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E " B Y T H E F I E L D E D U C A T I O N COORDINATOR FOR FALL SESSION AND SUMMER SESSION. 5 2.4 D IS T A N C E D E L IV E R Y S O C IA L W O R K P R O G R A M (DDSWP) Students who have enrolled in the Faculty through DDSWP fall into two categories: those taking their B.S.W. at various cohort sites throughout the province, and those taking their B.S.W. through independent study/correspondence. The pre- and corequisites for all courses are the same as for campus students. The main difference between a distance delivery student and a campus student is that many distance education students are part-time students, and thus tend to take their courses over a greater number of years than students at ICSWP or FGSWP. 2.5 N O R T H E R N B A C H E L O R (NBSWP) OF S O C IA L W O R K P R O G R A M IN THOMPSON All B.S.W. students in Thompson are required to meet the same pre- and co-requisites. Some timing and process issues differ for the ICSWP, FGSWP, DDSWP, and NBSWP. 3. PRE-MASTER PROGRAM The Pre-Master program in Social Work is available to students with an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Social Work. Students in this program must also complete a field placement. The Pre-MSW student is required to undertake one field placement only, SWRK 6050, and is required to ensure all pre- and co-requisite course needs are addressed. Pre-MSW students complete 450 hours of field in one placement (based on 8.0 hours per day) in SWRK 6050. 4. KEY DATES – REGULAR SESSION – FGSWP AND ICSWP January Access Field Information Resource Booklet on-line February or March Attend Field Information Day March Résumé and Field Preference Form completed. March to May Contact/Referrals made to agencies and facilities by Field Coordinator 6 April to June Agency interviews June Placements confirmed September Commence placement October Mid-term evaluations (Concentrated or Accelerated students) December Final SWRK 3150 evaluations (Concentrated or Accelerated students only) Mid-term evaluations FGSWP Regular Stream students February Midterm evaluations (Concentrated or Accelerated Students SWRK 4120 and ICSWP Regular Stream students) April All placements and final evaluations completed. 5. IMPORTANT DATES FOR PLACEMENT PLANNING October – February Attend Field Workshops as posted January Access Field Information Resource Booklet on-line February or March Attend Field Information Day on Campus March Complete information preference sheet and résumé April Field Coordinator contacts prospective agencies to determine interest and ability in offering a placement and to discuss the learning needs of particular students. If agency can take a student, the resume is e-mailed for the potential instructor’s perusal. April - May Agencies conduct interviews with interested students. May to July Field placements confirmed. Letters sent to students and agencies confirming placements. Students must contact their Field Instructor to determine what requirements must be met prior 7 to field commencement (i.e. Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Registry, WRHA Immunization Policy) and to confirm expectations regarding field commencement and orientation. 5.1 PLACEMENTS The Field program has a registry of active placement sites in Winnipeg and the surrounding area. There is a continual need for additional placement sites and efforts are made on a yearly basis to recruit additional sites. Students are encouraged to contact the Field Education Coordinator to discuss possible placements. In the event that students learn of potential placements, they should notify the Field Education Coordinator in order that that the Faculty can clarify with the agency what is being offered and whether it meets course requirements. Students are required to complete a Field Preference Form and a résumé and to submit by the specified due date in order to be eligible for field placement. 6. PROCESS TASKS 6.1 F IE L D I N S T R U C T IO N P R O C E S S To fulfill the role of Field Instructor, it is expected that there will be regular contact time with the student for educational purposes. This time may be used as unit meetings or group meetings, but will most commonly be used for individual conferences THE FIELD INSTRUCTION PROCESS INVOLVES SEVERAL ELEMENTS: 1. The number of students that the field instruction site and each Field Instructor is able to accommodate will need to be determined. This is often followed by a process of recruitment and selection of specific students. Pre-placement interviews of prospective students are often done by an individual in smaller institutions or by a group of Field Instructors in larger ones. The latter has the advantage of having individual instructors and students develop matches. This interview process is also useful in encouraging students to engage in self-selection based on some realistic exposure to the field instructional site. This may 8 reinforce the student’s and instructor’s interests, or determine that this is not an appropriate placement given the student’s needs and goals as well as the instructor’s expectations. 2. Once formal notification confirming the placement of students has been provided by the Faculty, there are some key activities which will need to be completed. Students are expected to contact their Field Instructor to discuss orientation details and to ensure all requirements (i.e. Criminal Record Check) are addressed prior to the start of field placement. Students should also discuss with their Field Instructor the particular days of the week they will be available to participate in field. The Field Instructor will need to advise students about the time and place of their orientation to the placement and to discuss the specific process of police checks and child abuse registry checks that may be required by the agency/facility. 3. The Instructor will plan for the student in terms of physical accommodation, i.e., office space, desk, telephone access, and interviewing facilities. 4. Based on knowledge of the student and the needs of the program, it is useful to explore tentative appropriate student learning opportunities. The Instructor will also facilitate orientation by: a) determining whether they will be conducting the orientation individually or collectively with other instructors; b) establishing a purposeful orientation agenda; c) contacting key staff persons who will meet with and present aspects of the field instructional site to the students; and d) determining how to introduce the students to the setting and to this field experience. 9 OTHER ITEMS THE FIELD INSTRUCTOR WILL CONSIDER IN PRE-PLANNING ARE: • • • • • • 6.2 contemplation of optimal times for potential learning opportunities in the field instruction site; determining availability of staff resource persons for the student throughout the year; preparing field instructional and agency resource material for the students (see below); exploring the possibility of including students in any agency-wide orientations, staff meetings, in-service training workshops; exploring programs and specific activities which are suitable for student involvement; and determining rules around student use of equipment, vehicles, clerical access, reimbursement for travel costs, etc. O R IE N T A T IO N Orientation to the field course and the specific placement setting is generally held during the two days following Labour Day. Classes are cancelled to allow students to spend these two days in their field setting. The Field Instructor, with appropriate agency supports, is responsible for providing a two-fold orientation process that involves: a. general orientation to the field instruction course; and b. an orientation to the agency setting. GENERAL ORIENTATION TO FIELD SHOULD INCLUDE: discussion of what the Field Instructor expects of the student, as well as what the student can expect from the Instructor, Liaison and Resource Person; • discussion concerning the Code of Ethics and Field Evaluation Forms; • expectations regarding time in the placement depending on the student’s program stream; • appropriate use of time in the agency (indirect and direct field-related activity, but not class or outside work); timing and frequency of meetings with Resource Person and Field Instructor; 10 • • • • • • • mutual expectations regarding preparation for student/instructor supervision and group sessions; arrangements in case of a need to reschedule supervision; how students are to handle absences due to illness or other reasons, and availability when not at agency; an identification of student/instructor learning styles; and discussion about initial assignments. METHODS AND TOOLS THAT MAY BE USED TO ASSIST THE STUDENT INCLUDE: £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Code of Ethics Field Evaluation Form Student Time Sheet Journaling Book or Field Assignment Task Logbook Student Self-Assessment & Learning Goals B.S.W. Student Handbook Student Field Manual ORIENTATION TO THE AGENCY SHOULD INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • discussion of general expectations for the field setting during the academic year; introduction of the students to their field setting; introduction of students to the key program staff with whom they will be working, particularly the resource person who may, in some models, be providing them with day-to-day administrative supervision; familiarizing students with agency philosophy, goals, programs, and services, as well as its practical aspects including: offices, facilities, clerical services, and libraries; working out the logistics of time availability for field placement, resource person meetings, Field Instructor meetings, other meetings; identifying learning goals and the beginning practice experiences; familiarizing students with the consumer populations of the agency, some of their issues and some of their needs; and review of safety procedures of the agency. 11 This can be presented by the Field Instructor or by other agency staff or a combination of both. Where there are a number of students in one agency the Instructor may wish to use agency staff to present an overview of specific programs/services to the students. Where there is one student in an agency, the Instructor might wish to arrange times for the student to meet and interview key agency people. The Field Instructor should also provide written materials about the agency. HANDOUTS MAY INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • • 6.3 Agency brochure History and Mandate Laws or Articles of relevance (i.e. The Child and Family Services Act) Annual Report Program information Organizational Chart Policy and Practices Manual Personnel and Operations Manuals Funding sources, etc. Staff phone list Resource Directory C O N T R A C T IN G There are two levels of contracting that occur in a field placement: (1) the administrative contract and (2) the learning contract. 6.3.1 A D M I N I S T R A T I V E C O N T R A C T (established first week or two of first term) The purpose of the administrative contract is to develop the framework of expectations through which the field instruction process will function. Clarity around the following issues provides a level of security for the students as a result of knowing the limits within which they will function. 12 ISSUES: • • • • • • • • to clarify agency expectations of student, i.e., confidentiality, use of supports, how they represent themselves to clients, etc.; to identify the mutual expectations of key persons; confirm the logistics around time, days in placement; meeting times and materials prepared for student/instructor; conferences, and where relevant unit or group meetings; if using resource persons, times and means of accessing them; persons to contact, if Instructor or resource person not available; and other issues that may be unique to a specific setting. The process of establishing this aspect of contracting immediately follows on the orientation and personalizes the information presented there. It is important that students bring their academic timetables so that times in field can be worked out. Also, it is important where possible that student issues are incorporated into the administrative contract, as long as it does not compromise essential requirements of agency or instructor expectation. 6.3.2 L E A R N I N G C O N T R A C T (established first 4-5 weeks of the field placement) The learning contract is an important tool in the field instruction process. Its purpose is to assist in making learning goals and expectations explicit to all participants. It empowers students in terms of knowing what to expect from their field experience. The learning contract is the initial step in the educational process. It prompts students and the Instructor to begin to explore and identify specific skills and knowledge that the students hope to derive from the field. This begins immediately after orientation. Ultimately, it is written and signed by the Field Instructor and student, On-Site Supervisor (if appropriate) and the Faculty-Field Liaison. PROCESSES INCLUDE: £ Translating the general objectives of the Field Evaluation Form into specific competencies as they are identified in the Instructor’s own agency. It is important that these are stated in behavioural terms. Associated with this task is that of helping the student have a clear understanding of what these competencies are. 13 £ Identifying objectives that the student might have, but which are not specifically identified in the competencies cited above or are of a different order of importance. This respects the adult learning needs of the student. It is more likely to be utilized by a student in their second placement. There is space available for this in the Field Evaluation Form. £ Ensuring that attention to the learning competencies (as identified on the Field Evaluation Form) is given and that appropriate objectives are identified in line with these areas of expected learning. £ Determining the student’s current level of knowledge and skill in being able to meet the objectives established above. Students will come to their field placements with a variety of skill levels. It is important to assess these in order to provide an appropriate individualized learning environment for the student. This can be determined in a variety of ways, but most commonly is done by a focused interview that specifically identifies the student’s analytic and interventive skills. This would include information about: • previous field placements (activities, levels of skill, type of supervision, level of autonomy) • previous work experience • previous volunteer experience • student's interest and learning objectives • student’s courses and course outlines for the year • factors which may impact on field placement activity £ Determining the appropriate learning opportunities and methods of monitoring student progress as a result of the above steps. £ Specific competency-based contracting may be required if a student is experiencing difficulty in a particular aspect of their field placement. In such cases the skill might need to be broken down into specific concrete components with clearly identified learning opportunities and means of determining successful completion at each component. £ In situations where a student is struggling and is not meeting performance expectations, an Addendum to the Learning Contract is undertaken to highlight areas 14 of needed change or improvement, measures to be used and timelines for reviewing the student’s performance. The Addendum is to be developed and signed collaboratively by Field Instructor, On-Site Supervisor (if appropriate), student and Faculty-Field liaison. £ At the end of first term, the educational contract is reviewed to determine the student’s progress and to develop new goals and objectives for the second term of the field placement with the accompanying relevant learning opportunities. During the terms, as objectives are obtained, they may be replaced by new goals, but in all cases should be in a written form. 6.4 L E A R N IN G O P P O R T U N IT IE S The Field Instructor has the primary responsibility for determining and selecting areas of involvement for the student based on the learning needs identified in the contracting phase. The Field Instructor needs to monitor the frequency and depth of learning opportunities to ensure that the student is able to achieve the appropriate course objectives. The learning opportunities should be based on a generalist approach to social work practice. Therefore, student learning opportunities should be varied enough to allow for exposure to as many aspects of the generalist approach to practice as are available in the setting. Wherever possible, student participation in selection of learning opportunities should be encouraged. General progression of student learning throughout the program towards graduation is seen as moving from situations which are initially selected or identified primarily by the Field Instructor, to ones which are increasingly initiated by the student. The goal is to develop greater independence, autonomy and competence in the students as practitioners. This can be succinctly framed in the following way: PROGRESSION OF LEARNING 15 From: ⇒ Narrow ⇒ Specific ⇒ Dependent ⇒ Directed ⇒ Other Informed SWRK 3150 and first Pre-Master SWRK 6050 evaluation period: • The application of the generalist approach to Situational Assessment and Interventive Planning. • Skills emphasis of initiation, negotiating entry, preliminary contracting, mutual needs identification processes, data collection, data analysis skills. To: ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ SWRK 4120: • Review and consolidation of assessment, emphasis on approaches to intervention with various units, develop intervention strategies. • Skills emphasis, contracting goal formulation, implementation, evaluation, and termination, developing skill in use of self. 6.5 Broad Autonomy Independence Self Directed Self Informed Integrated M O N IT O R IN G P R O C E S S The Field Instructor is responsible for developing and tailoring appropriate methods in which the student can share and analyze practice issues and student performance. The Field Instructor has several tools to choose from in order to monitor performance. Choice is based upon the Field Instructor's preferences, on methods which enhance student learning, and the type of setting (including impact on client systems). 16 TOOLS INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • verbal reports logs and summary recording process recording file recording video tapes audio tapes direct observation co-facilitating one-way mirrors modeling The process of giving feedback is a key to the student’s ability to respond constructively. Some characteristics of effective feedback include: that it occurs as soon as possible after the student’s intervention; that it is direct rather than guarded and ambiguous; that it is presented with the assumption that the student has invested in learning; that the Field Instructor is collaborative with the student in terms of working together toward a solution; that any feedback provides a learning component in it for the student, particularly if it is relevant to current issues with which the student is dealing; that it is presented in a thematic way which deals with key issues rather than getting bogged down in detail; that it is proactive, helping the student to understand the underlying reasons for issues that come up in intervention so that they can become more independent in their self assessment; that it explores strengths as well as areas for further growth; that it is presented in ways that recognize and respect the student’s past experience and is respectful of the student’s dignity. Informed consent may be needed from the field instructional site consumers or users, particularly whenever live supervision and tapes are utilized. Many agencies have established protocols for this purpose. It is important that the consumer has a clear understanding of: the purpose of the taping and with whom it will be shared; the steps which will be taken to safeguard their anonymity and confidentiality; the exceptions to these, due to the student’s "duty to inform"; an indication of when the material will be destroyed; and a guarantee, that, should they withhold their consent, they will continue to receive full agency services to which they are entitled. Written consent can be important. 17 6.6 S T U D E N T -I N S T R U C T O R I N D IV ID U A L C O N F E R E N C E The most common method of providing an opportunity for student growth and professional development is through the individual conference. While the demands of the student placement and pressures on the instructional staff may suggest that mini sessions at "teachable" moments are most convenient, experience has confirmed that, beyond these "teachable" moments, a student's learning is best served if preplanned regular scheduled times are established on a weekly basis, in privacy, with a minimum of interruptions, and in a comfortable environment. The individual conference occurs within the context of the overall learning objectives for the student as a result of the educational contracting. The individual conference, with its educational focus is the core of the program. It provides a reflective milieu in which students have the opportunity to: a) translate knowledge into operational principles, and principles into practice; and b) use themselves with increasing self awareness in engaging the client system in problem resolution. Students should prepare for conferences. Preparation should include: £ providing the instructor with a record of their work in advance (logs, student’s summary or process recording, tapes, reports, work plan); £ appending assessment, self critique of the professional activity; £ ideally identifying issues for discussion. 6.7 LOGS The log is one useful learning tool in the field instruction process, and is to be used on an ongoing basis by both Field Instructor and student. The log can be used as a way of comparing student-instructor views and perceptions, a means of monitoring progress, a mechanism for identifying issues, difficulties and areas for work, and finally to assist in evaluating student performance at various points throughout the year. The log is especially important when difficulties are encountered or begin to emerge. Documentation of process and issues can be particularly helpful in determining where the difficulties are situated and whether themes or patterns are developing. The log is also instrumental in identifying and validating hunches/ feelings/ impressions/ concerns 18 by any of the actors (student, instructor, or agency) so that possible solutions/changes can be explored. The Field Instructor is responsible for maintaining the documentation on student field records and is encouraged to use the log on a regular basis. 6.7.1 P U R P O S E • • • • 6.7.2 T Y P E S • • OF LOG Learning tool - educational Accountability Means of identifying issues - problem identification How issues are resolved - action/method OF LOGS Brief summary format, as appropriate to the agency Narrative/descriptive 6.7.3 G U I D E L I N E S FOR KEEPING STUDENT FIELD RECORDS BRIEF SUMMARY LOG CONTENT • • Pertinent facts - name, days in field, client systems, etc. Issues/dilemmas being raised by any or all participants, i.e., student, instructor, agency. NARRATIVE LOG This is an ongoing description of interaction/discussions between student and Instructor and agency. THREE TYPES OF DOCUMENTATION THAT FIELD INSTRUCTORS MAY KEEP: 1. WEEKLY • Pertinent facts • Content of weekly meeting with student • Actions/decisions • Any new practice situations assigned • Goals for further work - target dates for completion 19 2. PROGRESS SUMMARY LOG (approx. 6 weeks after placement begins) • summary of goals achieved • identification of further areas for work • consults, tapes, process recordings, etc. which have been used and the outcomes 3. END OF TERM SUMMARY • goals achieved • levels of performance • future goals 6.8 GROUP CONFERENCES AND U N IT M E E T IN G S A second approach to educational conferences is the use of groups. 6.8.1 G R O U P C O N F E R E N C E S Where there are a number of students in similar placement sites, (i.e., health settings) Field Instructors may wish to consider group conferences. Group conferences can be used for all or part of the educational contact time with students. Some positive reasons for considering a group are that it provides an efficient dissemination of knowledge, potential for student emotional support, an opportunity for students to learn from others’ experiences, an opportunity to learn and practice group skills as modeled by the instructor, a more egalitarian environment, and a broader range of learning opportunities. The field instructional group process is a form of group work with which many Instructors are familiar. There needs to be a clarity of the educational goals in this approach, just as in individual instruction. Sessions need to have clear behavioural objectives which are consistent with the overall educational goals. These objectives will be more effective if (1) they have relevance to the immediate needs of the students, (2) they do not duplicate Practices course work but supplement it, and/or (3) students have been consulted in the process. 7. INSURANCE 20 The Faculty of Social Work enters into field placement agreements with all active placement sites. The field placement agreements contain the following clause: “The University shall indemnify and save harmless the Field Instruction Site from every action, suit or claim in respect of any injury, loss or damage resulting from the grossly negligent acts or omissions by the University, its employees or agents, when acting within the scope of their employment or by its students when acting under the direction of the University, except to the extent that injury, loss or damage is caused by the act or omission of the Field Instruction Site or any of its site staff, employees or agents.” 8. FIELD INSTRUCTION GUIDELINES AND POLICIES 8.1 F IE L D I N S T R U C T IO N AND F IE L D /F O C U S C O U R S E Students are encouraged to register for a Field/Focus of Social Work Topic (SWRK 4200 or SWRK 4300) that corresponds with their field placement area. All students requesting a field placement are required to complete a Field Preference Form (FPF) along with an updated electronic and paper copy of their résumés. The FPF and the résumé are due at least 75 calendar days prior to the term that the student will be commencing field. Students requesting a summer field placement must request the field placement 40 calendar days prior to summer field commencement. Students who do not meet the deadline are not guaranteed a field placement in that term.2 8.2 F IE L D I N S T R U C T IO N T A K E N AT PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT Purpose of Field Instruction: Field education is a critical component of the social work curriculum and gives students the opportunity to learn to apply the knowledge they have garnered in the classroom to actual practice situations with individuals, families and/or communities, under the supervision of a field instructor. The purpose of field instruction includes: • providing opportunities for students to develop specific practice skills; • providing opportunities for students to successfully integrate theory into practice; 2 Approved by Faculty Council – February 24, 2006. 21 • preparing students with the necessary knowledge and values-based skills for social work practice; • facilitating increased professional development and self-awareness; and • preparing students to apply the knowledge, skills and values from one field setting in social work to a variety of settings with a range of clients and identified issues. 8.2.1 E L I G I B I L I T Y C R I T E R I A PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR FIELD INSTRUCTION TO BE TAKEN AT THEIR Requests to take the field instruction course, SWRK 3150 or SWRK 4120, at a student’s workplace will be considered in accordance with specific criteria. • • • • • • • A student must have completed all pre-requisites for the field course for which s/he is registering. A student is to be registered in all of the required co-requisite courses. A student is ineligible if s/he has previously failed any field course. A student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The work setting must provide the student with the opportunity to use a range of knowledge and skills, in accordance with the Faculty of Social Work curriculum requirements of the BSW program. The student’s proposed field roles and responsibilities and field education learning goals must be separate and distinct from his or her paid employment duties. The student must have a different field instructor (BSW minimum requirement) from his or her employment supervisor. 8.2.2 P R O C E D U R E S EMPLOYMENT TO APPLY FOR FIELD INSTRUCTION AT THEIR PLACE OF The student will apply to the Field Education Coordinator to take his or her field instruction, SWRK 3150 or SWRK 4120, at his or her place of employment and submit a proposal, along with the other field placement administrative requirements (as outlined in the preceding section) by the deadline date for all field applications. The proposal will include the following information items and will be submitted to and reviewed by the Field Education Coordinator who will assess the suitability of the placement for field learning. 22 • The student is to provide a summary of his or her paid work experience, roles and responsibilities in the current work setting; • The student is to identify and provide contact information regarding his or her current employment supervisor; • The student is to provide names of two references from the current work setting who are in agreement with being contacted for additional information regarding the applicant’s work performance; • The student is to draft a summary of the proposed field placement including specific learning objectives, goals and activities to be undertaken in SWRK 3150 or SWRK 4120. The proposed learning must be distinct and unique from the student’s paid employment duties; • The student is to provide contact information, along with confirmation of qualifications (i.e. BSW, MSW) pertaining to the individual who has agreed to assume the role of field instructor. This individual cannot be the same individual who supervises the student in his or her paid employment duties; and • The student is responsible for negotiating the use of his work setting for field instruction with his or her employer. The student will provide material, if required, to confirm the employer’s acceptance of these terms. 8.3 A D D IT IO N A L G U ID E L IN E S • An interview with the student and representatives of the workplace may be held prior to the decision regarding acceptance or denial of the proposed practicum. • A student who receives remuneration (i.e., stipend, wage, subsidy) in their field placement (SWRK 3150 or SWRK 4120) should not have been employed in that position prior to accepting the field placement. However, in the event that a student is employed in a paid position in the agency and is requesting placement, the student must ensure the criteria as specified under 8.2.1, and the procedures as specified under 8.2.2, are satisfied. 23 • The Faculty reserves the right to review individual contracts and arrangements and to determine whether any additional requirements need to be addressed. • Where questions arise regarding the suitability or acceptance of the proposed workplace field practicum, the Field Education Coordinator will consult with the BSW Program Committee in arriving at a final decision. 8.4 I M M U N IZ A T IO N P O L IC Y 3 Since 2007, all social work field students in WRHA placements have been required to provide documentation confirming immunization or demonstrated immunity to the following communicable diseases prior to entry into the setting: £ Rubella £ Measles £ Hepatitis B £ Varicella/Chicken Pox £ Tuberculin Mantoux Screening As well, students are encouraged (but not required) to maintain other immunizations on their own: £ Diptheria/Tetanus £ Mumps £ Polio Students are asked to speak with their agency field instructor to determine, as early as possible in the process, the specific immunization requirements and to take the necessary steps to comply with this policy. Students are required to submit the WRHA Student Immunization and Communicable Disease Record to the Field Education Program Assistant six weeks prior to the commencement of field instruction. 8.5 V O L U N T A R Y COURSES W IT H D R A W A L P O L IC Y ON F IE L D I N S T R U C T IO N A student is allowed one voluntary withdrawal from field instruction SWRK 3150 and one voluntary withdrawal from the SWRK 4120.4 3 WRHA Immunization Policy – Student Placement Requirements August 2007. 24 9. FIELD INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES 9.1 F IE L D E D U C A T IO N C O O R D IN A T O R 1. Is available to students for discussion of educational needs and goals in field placements in the coming year. 2. Contacts field instructional sites and agency-based instructors to ascertain and negotiate placement for the next year. 3. Provides written general information to students regarding placements available in the coming year. 4. Develops procedures for assigning students to field instructional sites and/or instructors, taking into consideration the student’s wishes (where appropriate) and educational needs, as well as the faculty’s resources. 5. Develops a means of communicating with students about placement sites to which they are assigned. 6. Communicates with field instructional sites, field liaisons and University field instructors regarding students placed with them. 7. In conjunction with the Dean, develops formal faculty-agency field instructional site agreements and arranges for their administration. 8. Orients new/past faculty-field liaisons and field instructors to the faculty curriculum and all aspects of field instruction. 9. Acts as a consultant to faculty-field liaisons and field instructors on any field instructional issue, where matters cannot be resolved at the liaison level. 10. In conjunction with faculty-field liaisons and field instructors, develops and recommends field instruction policies and forwards them to the B.S.W. Committee. 9.2 F A C U L T Y -F IE L D L IA IS O N THE OBJECTIVES OF THE LIAISON ARE TO ENSURE THAT: 4 Approved by Senate - June, 2007 25 1. There is an ongoing relationship between the administrative staff of the placement site and the Faculty. 2. The administrative staff of the placement understand the educational objectives of the field work course, their practical implications, and the roles of the participants. 3. The field instructional staff understand their primary role in the instructional process. 4. The students have a quality field experience that meets their educational needs and course expectations. 5. The liaison is available to provide support, consultation, mediation and negotiation for the student and field instructor. 6. The liaison works collaboratively with the instructor to facilitate integration of knowledge and practice, a generic perspective of practice for students, and skills in teaching social work process and techniques for the field instructor. 7. The instructor knows how to handle a field evaluation of a student in an appropriate manner. 9.2.1 F A C U L T Y -F I E L D L I A I S O N T A S K S Faculty-field liaisons are expected to undertake a minimum of three in-person meetings with the students/field instructor. These contacts include, but are not limited to, on-site meetings in the first month of field placement commencement to review and sign the agreed upon Learning Contract, at point of mid-term evaluation and at point of final evaluation. Some liaisons also have periodic meetings with all of their Field Instructors collectively to discuss field related issues. Some use periodic attendance at agency unit meetings to maintain contact. All make themselves available for “trouble-shooting” and consultation, as required. 1. Requests and is assigned to students/agencies by the Dean in consultation with the field coordinator. Faculty are normally assigned to students and agencies in areas in which they have specialization. 2. Contacts assigned field instructors and students, provides contact information and indicates availability. 26 3. Meets with field instructors and students to discuss the liaison role and expectations. 4. Is available to students to support, mediate, and/or negotiate. 5. Is a consultant to field instructors on any aspect of their work, i.e., student educational plan progress, agency issues, learning opportunities, teaching techniques, etc. 6. Is involved in conferences with the field instructors and students when a breakdown of communication occurs between instructor and students or in problem situations. 7. May meet with the field instructor and respective field instructional site personnel at any point during the field placement to assist them in facilitation of their roles. Is available to assist the field instructor to work with the students to integrate class and field learning. 8. Completes a contact sheet with respect to contact with each student, field instructor and/or other relevant program or agency personnel. This contact sheet will include the following information: date of contact, type of contact (i.e. meeting at agency, phone call), nature of contact and outcomes of contact as relevant to the student’s continued placement and attainment of learning goals. Documentation is to be forwarded to the field education coordinator in mid-December and late April for the regular academic session. For summer session, documentation is to be forwarded in mid-June and late August. 9. Communication with field instructor and agency personnel to review the year’s placement. Forwards written recommendations regarding student and/or placement (re: planning for following year) to the field education coordinator. 9.3 F IE L D I N S T R U C T O R 1. Volunteers and is selected as a result of specific criteria and consultation between field coordinator and field instructional sites. 2. Is given university appointment as “Field Instructor, Nil Salaried Academic Appointment”. 27 3. First-time instructors will be offered field instruction workshops by the Faculty in preparation for the field instructional role. 4. Independently, or in conjunction with the liaison, meets with other appropriate agency staff prior to the academic year to discuss potential learning experiences, potential site resource people for students, particular needs of the field instructional sites/students, and any other aspects of the field instruction program. 5. Is responsible for organizing an orientation to the field placement site for students. Notifies assigned students regarding plans for orientation to the field placement. 6. Has the responsibility of developing, in conjunction with the student, a written contract concerning both the administrative and educational expectations of the instructor and student. This may be shared with resource persons and the faculty-field liaison. 7. Normally assumes responsibility for both (a) supervising the student on a day to day basis, and (b) directing the student’s educational focus through review of student activity and planning future activities appropriate to student’s educational needs. 8. Assigns appropriate learning opportunities for student to accomplish learning objectives. 9. Meets with the student individually, normally for 1½ hours each week. May be involved with other instructors in providing unit meetings or integrative seminars on a periodic basis to assist in the integrating of student learning. 10. Meets with the faculty-field liaison periodically to review student’s progress and assess respective roles/ functions related to student learning. 11. Takes responsibility for evaluating students at the end of each term and to assign the final grade for field instruction courses. 12. Attends faculty seminars, if offered, for all field instructors to advise them of current developments in the faculty’s program. 13. May choose to attend meetings of the Field Advisory Committee, the Faculty of Social Work Faculty Council, and other committee meetings. 28 14. Meets with the faculty-field liaison and appropriate agency/department personnel at the end of the year to review the year’s placement experience and determine plans for the following year. 9.4 I N -A G E N C Y P R O G R A M S U P E R V IS O R (O N -S IT E R E S O U R C E P E R S O N ) 1. Agrees to assist the field instructor by assuming this role. 2. Determines respective role with field instructor in providing student field experience and may assume day to day responsibility and supervision on an administrative and site decision making level. 3. Resource persons on site may participate with the field instructor in the establishment of the orientation to field. 4. Will assign field experiences to the student in consultation with and under the direction of the field instructor to confirm that these experiences are congruent with student’s learning needs. 5. Meets with the field instructor periodically to review respective roles and functions related to student’s learning. 6. May participate in the student evaluation process with the field instructor and student. 7. May meet with field instructor and faculty-field liaison to evaluate the placement, and make recommendations for placement in the following year. 29 9.5 STUDENT 1. Expresses intention to take the field course and submits field preference form and resume by established due date 2. Final year students familiarize themselves with the field instructional sites available in the coming year and indicate preferences for the coming year 3. Attends field site orientation and ongoing unit meetings (where they exist) designed to prepare the student for maximum learning in the field 4. Participates fully in the field placement experience, including working with the instructor to develop learning contracts, seeking out his or her learning opportunities where appropriate, and contributing to the field instructional site 5. Meets all requirements related to work load, field seminars, supervision, and contribution to the instructional site. 6. Discusses and reviews respective roles and expectations with the agency resources person and the field instructor. 7. Fully participates in the field evaluation of his or her performance as it relates to the objectives of the course including the completion of the Field Evaluation Form each term. 8. Completes evaluation of field instruction and of the instructional site, where this is required. 30 10. EVALUATIONS 10.1 S T U D E N T E V A L U A T IO N PURPOSES: 1) to meet the requirements of the University of Manitoba and Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, that the student receive formal feedback on course progress; 2) to assess the student’s overall progress in field (summative evaluation) for the length of time they have been in the field placement to date (either mid term or course completion). It is the culmination of a continuous process which occurs in weekly or regular (formative evaluation) instructor-student conferences; 3) to provide evidence that the student has achieved a level of performance which allows them to successfully progress toward (mid-term) or complete (year-end) the field course in which they have been enrolled; 4) to identify areas where further learning is required, thereby making the learning conscious and providing the students with a clear direction for that learning; 5) to confirm that the students are being provided with opportunities to allow the student’s performance to meet the field course expectations; 6) to provide an opportunity to define and refine learning goals and objectives, where appropriate, to be achieved by the student in the following term; and 7) to provide means by which the student can learn to become progressively selfdirected in his or her professional development. 10.1.1 LOGISTIC B.S.W. formal field evaluation for Regular Stream students takes place twice a year: (1) at mid-term (which is December for FGSWP students, and February for ICSWP students), and (2) final evaluation occurs at the end of second term (in April, although specific dates will vary between FGSWP and ICSWP). Concentrated (FGSWP) and Accelerated (ICSWP) students undertake mid-term evaluation SWRK 3150 in October and final evaluation SWRK 3150 in December. These students undertake mid-term evaluation SWRK 4120 in February and final evaluation SWRK 4120 in April. Pre31 M.S.W. field evaluation takes place three times over the course of the placement. The specific dates for field terms are announced by the Field Education Coordinator each fall. This information is included with the placement letters that are sent to agencies and students by the faculty. The field program extends approximately one week beyond the end of classes. One of the purposes of this extended time limit is to provide the Field Instructor and student with the opportunity to complete the evaluation process. 10.1.2 FIELD EVALUATION FORM The Field Evaluation Form is the essential instrument which is utilized throughout the year. The purpose of having a Field Evaluation Form is to provide a standardized instrument that can provide a consistent guide for Instructors and students to measure student performance. The purpose of pass/fail grade is to encourage students to risk themselves in their professional development without risking a lower numerical grade. The intent of the form is that the student’s performance will be progressively evaluated. Levels of performance are assigned to each of the categories to provide a greater degree of precision in assessing student performance. This is an internal device between the Field Instructor and the student. As suggested in the instructions, an average grade is 3.0. If students can achieve this level, it is a significant accomplishment. For a student to obtain a 4.0 level requires an exceptional level of performance. The purpose of the summary comments section is twofold. First, it provides an opportunity for the Instructor to identify the most significant and important characteristics of the student’s performance. Second, it is the part of the form that may be used in any letter of reference that will be supplied by the Faculty upon request. The practice of having the students, as well as the Field Instructors, complete an evaluation of the student’s performance serves three purposes: 32 • • • it provides the student with an opportunity for meaningful participation in the educational process which is consistent with the principles of adult learning; it provides an opportunity for the student to practice the expectation of professional self-development; and it clearly identifies areas where there is congruence or divergence between the Instructor and student, which provides a basis for discussion. The use of the Field Evaluation Form as an evaluation instrument will depend on the degree that is has been utilized since the beginning of term. It is anticipated that: • • • • • the Field Instructor has shared the form with the student at the beginning of the term; the Field Instructor and the student have spent time specifying how these general expectations will apply to the particular field placement as part of the educational contracting process; the learning opportunities are framed within the context of the course objectives; educational outcomes have been mutually developed; and there has been an ongoing opportunity to assess the student’s progress in achieving his/hers, and the Faculty’s, learning goals. If these steps have been implemented, then the evaluation is summative and should contain no surprises. It is also useful to share the student’s objectives with the agency personnel who are providing the student with opportunities because it enables them to frame those opportunities in ways that reinforce the student’s learning goals. 10.1.3 THE PROCESS Students, any staff persons who may have participated in the student’s learning, and the Field Instructors, all contribute to the mid-term and final evaluations. The final responsibility for reporting the student grade to the Field Coordinator rests with the Field Instructor. 33 NOTIFYING THE STUDENTS In general, students will need to be aware at the beginning of term that their work will be formally evaluated as part of the field work course. Students will also need to know that they have a responsibility to provide evidence that they have met the objectives of the courses. Students should have a fairly clear idea of how they will be evaluated and where they stand from the weekly meetings with the Field Instructor. Students need to be notified in advance when the evaluation will take place specifically and how it will proceed. The two reasons for this are: 1. 2. if they have advance warning and understand the process, they can ready themselves for the evaluation. Having advance knowledge usually decreases anxiety; and it provides students with sufficient opportunity to complete their own evaluation of their performance, thereby meeting the course requirement. It is also a useful time to determine the learning experiences that were available during the term. In determining the time of the evaluation, it is useful that the Instructors review the Field Evaluation Form with students, respond to any questions students may ask, as well as help them plan their self-evaluations. 10.2 P R O G R A M E V A L U A T IO N At the end of each year, students are given an opportunity to assess their field experience. The evaluation form is separated into two sections: 1) responding to the course and the Instructor; and 2) responding to their experience in the field setting (see Appendix 2). These forms are reviewed by the Field Education Coordinator after the end of the term and after grades have been submitted. Copies of feedback forms are made available to the Field Instructor after the end of the field session. 10.2.1 STUDENT RESPONSE TO COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR FORM This form deals with how students assess their experience with the Field Instructor. It serves two purposes. First, it provides the Faculty with some idea about the student’s perception of the field instruction program, and of individual field instruction. Second, it 34 gives the individual Field Instructor an opportunity to receive some feedback on the student’s perception of their strengths and any areas for further growth. The intent is to determine the circumstances of the response and how the instructional process can be addressed in ways that work more effectively for the students and Instructors in the future. Should there be any issues or concerns identified, the Field Education Coordinator will approach the Field Instructor to discuss further. 10.2.2 STUDENT RESPONSE TO A G E N C Y -S E T T I N G F O R M The second aspect of the evaluation is related to the student’s assessment of the field instructional setting itself. This part of the form is submitted to the Field Education Coordinator. Its purpose is to provide the Faculty with the student’s assessment of their experience in the agency. Again, if issues are identified, the Field Coordinator may want to discuss these with the appropriate field instructional site personnel. Once the grades have been submitted, the sites are entitled to receive the information in the same way that Field Instructors are. It is important to note that the vast majority of both types of evaluations are very positive each year. 35 APPENDIX 1 – COURSE OUTLINE 36 FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK FIELD INSTRUCTION SWRK 3150 COURSE OUTLINE Field Instructor: Telephone: E-mail: Field Liaison: Telephone: E-mail: Field Coordinator (Campus): Kelly Scott Telephone: 474-8300 E-mail: [email protected] Course Description The purpose of field instruction is to ensure that students have appropriately sequenced social work practice experiences in community agency settings. Educationally focused instruction brings to consciousness the self-awareness and discipline required of a generalist professional practitioner. This occurs through a series of progressively more demanding practice situations. It is the component of the curriculum in which the student practices in order to learn. The field experience gives the student the knowledge and the skill in practice in a variety of settings and fields. A six (6) credit hour practice course (SWRK 4200) must be taken concurrent with the field placement. The Faculty of Social Work places students in various settings to offer them opportunities to learn how to practise social work, incorporating academic knowledge and the values and ethics of the profession. Calendar Description The field sequence is defined in the University of Manitoba calendar as two courses. The calendar description of Field Instruction 1 (SWRK 3150) is: A first educationally directed field experience in which the student will have the opportunity to assume responsibility for social work engagement, assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation, as well as integrating theory and research knowledge acquired in the classroom. The required hours for Campus and Distance Education students are calculated as 28 weeks x 2 days per week x 7.5 hours or 420 hours in total. Students in the concentrated/accelerated program would be in the field 14 weeks x 4 days per week x 7.5 hours or 420 hours in the first term. This time commitment includes involvement and engagement in planning for practice activities, evaluation of performance of practice activities with the Agency, as well as the preparation for individual contact time with the Field Instructor in individual and/or group sessions. Course Objectives Students are expected to have interacted with the key people in the field setting appropriately and sensitively. They will demonstrate an understanding of the Agency’s structure, mission and 37 objectives as well as the service delivery system. They will have begun to identify underlying verbal and non-verbal communication patterns. They will have demonstrated a commitment to the importance of self-awareness as a means to effective professional involvement. The students will be able to identify client system needs including those of self-determination. The welfare of the client will have been the primary consideration. Students will also have developed the ability to respect clients’ rights through an understanding of the CASSW Code of Ethics. During the year students in the field placement will have: • Achieved a working understanding of the social work process; • Be able to articulate an anti-oppressive framework; • Used contracting in a mutual way in the beginning phases of relationships with clients and other participants; • Attempted to be clear and specific in data collection and will have begun to recognize biases; • Begun to link classroom knowledge to the field placement; • Taken the initiative to seek and make the appropriate use of supervision; • A working knowledge of community resources. Throughout this process, students will have been open to an evaluation of the effectiveness of their interventions as well as their professional performance measured against personal, Agency and University expectations. Students will have the basic knowledge and skills that will prepare them for social work practice. Meetings and Workshops All students are expected to participate in meetings and workshops that are organized as part of the Field Program. Information and planning meetings held prior to the actual placement date are not counted as part of the 420 hour placement. Workshops related to the Field Program that the student attends during the academic year in which their placement occurs can be counted as part of the field placement hours. Course Expectations The schedule of time required for the field placement will be included in the Learning Contract (420 hours for Fort Garry Campus students and 500 hours for Inner City Social Work students). Any variation to the time element must be negotiated with the Field instructor. Grading All field instructors with students must complete the Field Evaluation Form. This is the tool used to assign grades. The evaluation of a student is done on a pass/fail basis. Grade appeals should be discussed with the Field Instructor, then the Faculty Liaison, and finally the Field Coordinator. Outstanding issues may be appealed to the Appeals Committee of the Faculty of Social Work. FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK FIELD INSTRUCTION SWRK 4120 COURSE OUTLINE 38 Field Instructor: Telephone: E-mail: Field Liaison: Telephone: E-mail: Field Coordinator (Campus): Kelly Scott Telephone: 474-8300 E-mail: [email protected] Course Description The purpose of field instruction is to ensure that students have appropriately sequenced social work practice experiences in community agency settings. Educationally focused instruction brings to consciousness the self-awareness and discipline required of a generalist professional practitioner. This occurs through a series of progressively more demanding practice situations. It is the component of the curriculum in which the student practices in order to learn. The field experience gives the student the knowledge and the skill in practice in a variety of settings and fields. A six (6) credit hour practice course (SWRK 4300) must be taken concurrent with the field placement. The Faculty of Social Work places students in various settings to offer them opportunities to learn how to practise social work, incorporating academic knowledge and the values and ethics of the profession. Calendar Description The field sequence is defined in the University of Manitoba calendar as two courses. The calendar description of Field Instruction 2 (SWRK 4120) is: A second educationally directed practice experience building on SWRK 3150 in which the student will have the opportunity to carry a sustained professional role in situations which require the integration of values, knowledge and skill at the level of a beginning professional practitioner. The required hours for Campus and Distance Education students are calculated as 28 weeks x 2 days per week x 7.5 hours or 420 hours in total. Students in the concentrated/accelerated program would be in the field placement 14 weeks x 4 days per week x 7.5 hours or 420 hours in the first term. This time commitment includes involvement with the Agency in planning for, and engaging in, practice activity and evaluation of performance. It also includes educational contact time with the Field Instructor in individual and/or group sessions. Course Objectives Students are expected to have interacted with the key people in the field setting appropriately and sensitively. They will demonstrate an understanding of the Agency’s structure, mission and objectives as well as the service delivery system. They will have begun to identify underlying verbal and non-verbal communication patterns. They will have demonstrated a commitment to the importance of self-awareness as a means to effective professional involvement. The students will be able to identify client system needs including those of self-determination. The welfare of the client will have been the primary consideration. Students will also have 39 developed the ability to respect clients’ rights through an understanding of the CASSW Code of Ethics. It is anticipated that the students: • Will have been able to intervene in complex situations which require assessment skills; • Will have initiated and sustained supportive and responsive relationships and facilitated effective communication over the necessary period of contact; • Will have placed a high value on providing relevant information and service to clients; • Will have been able to consistently demonstrate awareness of their own emotional responses and deal with these feelings in a professional manner; • Will have demonstrated an understanding of the conflicting expectations in practice situations and demonstrated a range of contracting skills; • Will have progressed with their assessment skills and students will be able to articulate and justify the reasons for their assessments; • Will have integrated classroom knowledge with practice and used appropriately in exploring situations; • Will have been able to integrate and demonstrate anti-oppressive practice principles; • Will have been able to discern areas of concern, examine feelings and linkages and appreciate implications for intervention; • Will display abroad range of communication skills from empathetic to confrontation. They will have used these appropriately and selectively, and in a manner related to the goals of intervention; • Will have been able to set and follow through on priorities as well as dealing with unanticipated workload demands and/or crises; • Will have developed effective working relationships with Agency and University personnel; • Will have been prepared for supervisory conferences, will be open to new ideas and will have an ability to handle differences of opinion. Their written communication will contain essential information; • Will have a comprehensive working knowledge of social agencies and display a capacity to seek out the most appropriate services in consultation with their clients; and • Will also have taken the initiative in developing and using relevant evaluation information to take responsibility for their ongoing professional development. Meetings and Workshops All students are expected to participate in meetings and workshops that are organized as part of the Field Program. Information and planning meetings held prior to the actual placement date are not counted as part of the 420 hour placement. Workshops related to the Field Program that the student attends during the academic year in which their placement occurs can be counted as part of the field placement hours. Course Expectations The schedule of time required for the field placement will be included in the Learning Contract (420 hours for Fort Garry Campus students and 500 hours for Inner City Social Work students). Any variation to the time element must be negotiated with the Field Instructor. 40 Grading All field instructors with students must complete the Field Evaluation Form. This is the tool used to assign grades. The evaluation of a student is done on a pass/fail basis. Grade appeals should be discussed with the Field Instructor, then the Faculty Liaison, and finally the Field Coordinator. Outstanding issues may be appealed to the Appeals Committee of the Faculty of Social Work. 41 FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK FIELD INSTRUCTION SWRK 6050 PRE-MASTER COURSE OUTLINE Field Instructor: Telephone: E-mail: Field Liaison: Telephone: E-mail: Field Coordinator (Campus): Kelly Scott Telephone: 474-8300 Fax: 474-7594 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: As posted on a weekly basis Course Description An educationally focused practice experience where the student carries a sustained professional role as a beginning practitioner. Requires 450 hours of time including an orientation program, engagement in practicum activities under supervision, educational contact time with the field instructor and evaluation of performance. Co-requisite: SWRK 4200. The Faculty of Social Work places students in various settings to offer them opportunities to learn how to practice social work, incorporating academic knowledge and the values and ethics of the profession. Field Sequence The field experience consists of 450 hours of practice. Hours missed due to statutory holidays, illness, or agency closure need to be made up by the student. Field hours do not include Reading Week. The 450 hours are calculated at approximately 28 weeks x 2 days x 8 hours per day. All students are required to complete a time log which is signed off by their field instructor, verifying completion of a minimum of 450 hours in practice. Course Objectives It is anticipated that the students: 42 • • In the clinical stream (primarily, but may also apply to administrative stream students) will have demonstrated the direct practice skills of assessment, planning, contracting, implementation, evaluation and termination with clients. In the administration stream (primarily, but may also apply to clinical stream students) will apply a range of organizational theories and strategies in social service administration and a range of models of planning and evaluating social policies and programs. It is anticipated that all students: • Will have demonstrated evidence-based practice through integration of theory and research in practice activities; • Will apply the eco-systemic perspective to social work practice; • Will have been able to intervene in complex situations at the appropriate system level (micro, meso, macro) based on assessment skills; • Will have integrated and demonstrated anti-oppressive practice principles; • Will have demonstrated an understanding of the conflicting expectations in practice situations; • Will have been able to establish and follow through on identified priorities as well as deal with unanticipated workload demands and/or crises; • Will have initiated and sustained supportive and responsive relationships with clients and colleagues and facilitated effective communication over the necessary period of contact; • Will have developed effective working relationships with the agency and University personnel; • Will have been prepared for supervisory conferences, will remain open to new ideas and will demonstrate an ability to handle differences of opinion. Their written communication will contain essential information; • Will have taken the initiative in developing and using relevant information to take responsibility for their ongoing professional development; • Will have been able to consistently demonstrate an awareness of their own emotional responses and deal with these feelings in a professional manner • Will have demonstrated ethical professional behaviour towards clients and colleagues in the practice setting; • Will demonstrate an understanding of the implications of structural and policy factors on individuals, families, neighbourhoods, and communities. • Will have demonstrated skill in identifying necessary policy change to improve intervention or the well-being of clients, and in organizing necessary action; and • Will have demonstrated skill in identifying neighbourhood and community factors that affect the well-being of clients, and in identifying appropriate community development or community organization activity. Meetings and Workshops 43 All students are expected to participate in meetings and workshops that are organized as part of the Field Program. Information and planning meetings held prior to the actual placement date are not counted as part of the 450 hours of placement. Workshops related to the Field Program that the student attends during the academic year in which their placement occurs may be counted as part of the required field placement hours. Course Expectations The schedule of time required for the field placement will be included in the Learning Contract. Any variation to the time element must be negotiated and approved by the field instructor. Grading All field instructors with students must complete the Field Evaluation Form. This is the tool used to assign grades. The evaluation of a student is done on a pass/fail basis. Grade appeals should be discussed with the field instructor, then the Faculty Liaison, and finally the Field Coordinator. Outstanding issues may be appealed to the Appeals Committee of the Faculty of Social Work. 44 APPENDIX 2 - FIELD EVALUATION FORMS 45 SWRK 3150 46 Faculty of Social Work University of Manitoba FIELD EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE Bachelor of Social Work Field Instruction SWRK 3150 Year: _____________ Student Name: _________________________________________ Please Print B.S.W. Program Location: ¨ Fort Garry ¨ ICSWP ¨ Thompson ¨ Distance Ed. Agency ____________________________________________________________________ Field Instructor ______________________________________________________________ In-Agency Program Supervisor (if applicable)_______________________________________ Faculty-Field Liaison __________________________________________________________ 47 Table of Contents Part 1 1. Introduction 2. Purposes of this Document 3. Objectives and Desired Field Outcomes 4. Instructions for Completing Evaluation Process A. Time Sequence B. Usage Part 2 5. Learning Contract 6. Description of Student Activities in Field 7. Field Evaluation of Student Performance (Categories 1 through 14) 8. Summary 9. Grade Assignment, Including Fax-In Form 48 1. Introduction The learning requirements for the students in Field Instruction courses SWRK 3150 and SWRK 4120 are spelled out in the Field Instructor Manual. The statements of outcome represent the performance level which all students should be able to demonstrate to pass the course in any given year of field instruction. This document is used at all University of Manitoba field program sites. All requirements spelled out in this document are of importance for the field students. Emphasis should be placed on the ability of students to perform as total professionals, that is, the ability to: (1) develop and maintain working relationships in a variety of practice situations with sensitivity to diversity; (2) problem solve in an orderly systemic manner out of a professional value and knowledge base; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of their practice; and (4) demonstrate a commitment to improving the circumstances of the oppressed. The process by which these major areas of learning are connected together is of greater importance than the ability to perform in each of these areas singly. The goal is for students to develop an overall base upon which to build practice, rather than having special expertise in any one single area. It is also recognized that a problem in any one significant area may create difficulties in the students’ total performance. Companion documents to this Field Evaluation form are the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, both created by the Canadian Association of Social Workers as a basis for ethical practice. Another important document is the Professional Unsuitability Bylaw of the Faculty of Social Work (found in the B.S.W. Student Handbook). Students are expected to have a working knowledge of and ability to practice, using ethical professional standards. Students are also expected to learn about confidentiality as practiced by the profession and their field placement sites. Review of these documents is an expectation in the first few weeks in their practicum. 49 2. Purposes of this Document This document serves a number of purposes throughout the year. These include the following: 1. Course Expectation: It outlines course expectations, as well as the method of grading, and therefore must be shared with students at the beginning of first term (first week). This is consistent with the course outline requirements of the University of Manitoba and Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work;* 2. Learning Contract: It provides the basis for a learning contract which students and instructors are required to complete within the first 4 weeks of each academic year. It then becomes an ongoing process. A learning contract has three components which are the identification of: a) how the overall objectives of the course will be met in the particular field placement; b) what learning opportunities will be available to enable students to achieve those objectives, given their capacities; and c) what methods and indicators will be used to demonstrate that they have achieved the objectives. A learning Contract Addendum is also available for use by field instructors and field students in situations in which a student is not meeting his or her learning goals and/or expectations in one or more areas of personal or professional development (i.e. achieving a “2” or lower in any aspect of the field evaluation form). This form is intended to supplement the initial Learning Contract and to provide more detailed information regarding the student’s need for improvement, tasks to be completed, agency expectations and date of review. 3. Monitoring: It provides a point of reference for instructors and students, during their weekly consultations, to ensure that students are progressing satisfactorily in meeting the objectives. It identifies specific areas where further teaching and learning may be required; 4. Outcome: It provides evidence that the students have achieved a level of performance which allows them to successfully progress toward (midterm) or complete (year end) the Field course in which they are enrolled. It also provides an overall assessment of the students’ pattern of progress, including areas of strength and guidelines for addressing areas requiring further development; 5. Future Goals: It provides an opportunity for instructors and students to refine learning goals and objectives (learning contract). These goals will be incorporated as part of the plan for student performance in the following term or year; 50 6. Self-Direction: The opportunities for students to participate and have an influence in: (1) identifying educational objectives; (2) exploring learning opportunities; and (3) engaging in the evaluation process, which are designed to encourage students to become progressively more self-directed in their professional development. * Where requested or appropriate to the program (i.e., Thompson), University liaisons may have an enhanced role in assisting in operationalizing these uses. 51 3. Objectives and Desired Field Outcomes The statement of outcomes represents the performance expectation which all students are required to demonstrate. Field Instruction courses SWRK 3150 and SWRK 4120 have the following major objectives. Students successfully completing these courses will: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the field placement setting and its organizational dynamics; 2. Show an ability to interpret and clarify the setting’s professional services to: (1) clients; (2) other agencies; and (3) people in the community at large; 3. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the strengths and limitations of the service delivery system with regard to its mandate; 4. Demonstrate an ability to interact in a professional fashion and develop good working relationships with various resource systems in the community, for the advantage of clients; 5. Demonstrate application of principles, values, ethics, legal rights, and openness to diversity when working with different kinds of client systems; 6. Develop effective helping relationships with clients; 7. Know when to seek supervision and consultation, and take appropriate initiative in doing so; 8. Demonstrate an ability to plan and organize an assigned workload, set priorities, and monitor use of time; 9. Demonstrate a positive, open approach to learning, and an ability to work through learning obstacles; 10. Demonstrate an ability to make an effective assessment of problems, using social work knowledge, theoretical frameworks, observations and data; 11. Consistently and effectively communicate with clients concerning assessment, problem solving, intervention, contracting, and evaluation of strategies and results; and 12. Show an ability to work, where appropriate, in partnership with clients in problem identification, problem solving, decision making, and evaluation. 52 53 Students Experiencing Difficulty: There are normal patterns of learning which might cause students to plateau, block, or even regress as they struggle with certain aspects of field performance. These may be a single incident or of a short term nature and resolvable with instructional assistance. A student who is experiencing difficulty in field placement will generally demonstrate a consistent pattern of behavioural characteristics. These performance issues will include but are not limited to the following: 1) unsatisfactory or inconsistent understanding of and performance in using core social work knowledge, ethics, or skills; 2) an inability to move toward independent practice using sound judgment; or 3) a closed reactive approach to learning. If the instructor is unable to assist the student in making positive changes, or if there is a possibility that the student will not achieve the course objectives, it is expected that the field instructor will consult with the Faculty-Field Liaison to resolve this impasse. It is important to identify and resolve such issues as early as possible. 54 4. Instructions for Completing Evaluation Process (A) Time Sequence FIELD INSTRUCTION SWRK 3150 Mid-term evaluation section is completed in December (ICSWP students in February). Final evaluation section is completed in April.* FIELD INSTRUCTION SWRK 4120 Mid-term evaluation section is completed in December (ICSWP and Thompson students in February). Final evaluation section is completed in April. CONCENTRATED/ACCELERATED For SWRK 3150, mid-term evaluation section is STUDENTS completed in October, and final evaluation section is completed in December. For SWRK 4120, mid-term evaluation section is completed in February, and final evaluation section is completed in April. * See “Quick Reference List - Dates to Remember” or “Important Dates” sheets for precise times that evaluations are to be completed. (B) Usage There are five areas that require completion in the Evaluation form. These are: • • • • • Learning Contract Tasks Evaluation Summary and Goals Grade Instructions for completion are provided with each section of the Evaluation form. 5. Learning Contract 55 It is an expectation that an educational contract be completed collaboratively between the field instructor and student from the beginning of the field placement each year. Instructors have the option of using the educational contract model which follows. The purpose of the Learning Contract is to ensure that the instructor and student operationalize the course learning goals. It allows them to explore and develop a mutual understanding about the objectives, learning opportunities, and methods of achieving the field objectives. It also provides an opportunity for students to identify objectives, other than those identified in this Field Evaluation form that they might have a particular interest in achieving. Modifications in expectations or learning opportunities at midterm will be identified under “Goals for Further Progress” in the “Summary” section of the Evaluation. The Learning Contract Addendum is used in situations in which a student is not meeting the required learning goals and/or not meeting expectations in one or more areas of personal or professional development (i.e. achieving a “2” or lower in any aspect of the field evaluation form). The form serves as a supplement to the initial Learning Contract and provides more detailed information regarding the student’s need for improvement, tasks to be completed, expectations of agency and date of review. The terms of the Addendum are identified relative to the individual needs of the student but may include areas such as documentation needs to be completed by student, punctual and regular attendance in field on scheduled placement days, provision of medical documentation in the event of absence from field, preparation for and participation in field instruction supervision and agency meetings, or completion of a daily work journal outlining the tasks completed by the student. 56
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