Lee Stein, MSW, CSAC  Phone: 984-3304  
lstein@hawaii.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

            This course provides students with individualized in-service field training and supervised work experience in community based human service agencies. The course includes a weekly seminar providing students the opportunity to reflect on and share experiences and how they relate to information provided in this and previous courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Responsibilities increase as credits are added. Enrollment is limited in order to provide students with in-depth guidance and supervision.

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CREDITS:

·        1 credit is earned for the required weekly, 1-hour-long discussion sessions.

·        1 additional credit requires 5 hours of field work per week or 65 hours per semester (for a total of 2 credits);

·        2 additional credits requires 10 hours of field work per week or 130 hours per semester (for a total of 3 credits);

·        3 additional credits requires 15 hours of field work per week or 195 hours per semester (for a total of 4 credits);

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STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/COURSE COMPETENCIES

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Getting the Most From Your
Human Service Internship: Learning From Experience, by Kiser (2000); and readings as assigned.

COURSE ACTIVITIES

            Course work will consist of practicum placement, classroom group work, exercises, discussions, assignments, student presentations, class participation, completing exercises from the text, videos, guest speakers, and readings.

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COURSE PHILOSOPHY

This class will focus on understanding the dynamics of working in the field of human services and the development of skills that lead to effective interactions with clients. Important aspects of learning occur through class interaction and participation. Therefore, regular attendance at your practicum site and Tuesday class is vital if you are to do well in this class! You will be graded on your performance at your practicum site, on your participation in class, and the timely completion of assignments.

HOMEWORK – homework assignments are intended to clarify the course content and prepare you for active class discussion/participation. You must read and familiarize yourself with the assigned readings prior to their scheduled discussion in order to participate thoughtfully in classroom discussions. You are to have read the assigned material for discussion on the date it is listed on the Course Calendar that follows.

EXTRA CREDIT - Extra credit assignments may be offered, but don’t count on it! Practicum and class attendance and participation, doing the homework, and completing assignments are areas where you should focus your energy.

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH THE COURSE, PLEASE TALK TO ME RIGHT AWAY! I will do everything I can to help you do your best in this course and we can discuss options (such as “Credit/No Credit”). If you simply stop coming and don’t officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” grade on your record. If you do not want to speak to me about your situation, please see a student counselor (984-3325) or a guidance counselor.

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CLASS CONDUCT

            In order to create an effective and safe learning environment, class members are expected to treat one another and the instructor with respect at all times. Behaviorally this includes extending courtesy, attentiveness, politeness, consideration, care, and concern to others. Respectful and professional classroom behavior also includes removing hats, sunglasses, and turning off cell phones and pagers while in class. Academic dishonesty of any type will be dealt with as outlined in the Student Conduct Code (available from the Dean of Student Services Office, 984-3268).

Honoring Confidentiality: In order for the classroom environment to be truly conducive to effective learning, self-exploration must occur. Therefore, any self-disclosure by fellow students or the instructor is to be considered confidential and should not be repeated outside of the class. This respect for the process of others is especially important in a small community where we have all experienced the pain and betrayal of someone sharing what is only ours to share.

Your personal growth and satisfaction in this course will be greatly enhanced if you:

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ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING:

1.  Letter of Introduction and Resume (15 points):

You will follow a process of selecting and interviewing for your practicum placement that is similar to applying for a job. You will write a letter of introduction, prepare a resume, make interview appointments, etc. You will be graded on how well you present yourself in writing. Supportive readings can be obtained from the learning center or the internet. Skills developed in your business writing course will be used here.  Your letter and resume are to be typed using appropriate font, margins, spelling, grammar, and format.

2.  Attendance and Participation (2 points/class—30 points):

Students are required to participate in classroom discussions, exercises, assigned readings, etc. 

3.  Assignments: (15 points each—45 points):

a. Your first assignment will be to create behaviorally written goals and objectives for your practicum work.  These need to be agreed upon and signed by the student, agency supervisor and instructor. 

b. At the end of the semester, you will complete a self-evaluation of the practicum, reviewing these goals and objectives. 

c. Once during the semester you will need to write up an interview with a client.  Instructions will be given for this.

All need to be typed using appropriate font, margins, spelling, grammar and format.

4.  Log and other assignments (5 points each--30 points):

Written exercises, log, practicum evaluation and other assignments.  Typed is preferred.

5.      Student Presentations (20 points):

During the last 4 weeks of the semester you will provide a 10-minute long summary presentation to the class on your practicum experience following specific guidelines.

6.      Practicum Performance (100 points):

Your agency supervisor will submit summary of your practicum work reflecting the following areas:

·        Practicum attendance,

·        Your participation in designated job tasks and activities at your site,

·        Your attainment of your personal learning objectives,

·        Your ability to maintain professional relationships with clients and fellow staff.

Your instructor will include the supervisor recommendation in determining the points you will receive for your work performance.

Grade, 240 points possible:

A = 215 - 240

B = 190 - 214

C = 170 - 189

D or NC = 145 – 169

F or NC = Below 144

SPECIAL NEEDS

            The college will make accommodations for students with special needs. If you are in need of some instructional accommodation because of a disability please let me know right away so that appropriate arrangements can be made

COURSE CALENDAR
(Assignments)

DATE             TOPIC                                                         ASSIGNMENT

Aug. 2             Introduction to Course                                  

                        Description of Practicum Site                                        

                        Review of Letter of Introduction  and Resume

Sept. 8            Letter of Intro/Resume Due                        

Getting Started

Writing Goals and Objectives                                        

Sept. 15            Goals and Objectives Due                           

                        Discussion of Goals

Sept. 22            Log Assignment #1 Due                                  

                        Discussion of Placement

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Sept. 29            Log Assignment #2 Due

                        Discussion of Supervision

Oct. 6              Discussion of Placement

Oct. 13             Log Assignment #3 Due

                        Discussion of Placement

Oct. 20            Discussion of Placement

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Oct. 27            Log Assignment #4 Due

                        Discussion of Placement

Nov. 3              Log Assignment #5 Due

                        Preparing for Termination

Nov. 10             Interview Due

Student Presentations

Nov. 17             Student Presentations

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Nov. 24             Student Presentations

Dec. 1              Log Assignment # 6 Due

              Student Presentations

Dec. 8             Evaluating Your Practicum Experience Due

                        Discussion of Placement and Evaluation

                         “Good-By”

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