purpose
The purpose of the PRACTICUM is to provide students with a planned transition from the academic context to a professional setting in a students’ area of interest. During the PRACTICUM experience, the student will test the practical application of the theories learned in the program of study--in the professional setting under the guidance and supervision of both a professional staff member and a faculty advisor. As a part of the PRACTICUM, the student will be evaluated on his/her work attributes and contributions in the assigned work or community setting. The student will have the opportunity to continually interact with the staff in the setting and periodically with the faculty supervisor in assessing his/her skills, accomplishments, and professional growth. Please note that the program recognizes the high level of competence that many students bring to the practicum placement. Many come from professional backgrounds. While this is not always the case, the host institution has the opportunity to participate in a practical learning experience, while receiving valuable assistance in program development.
objectives
Student Objectives
For the student, the PRACTICUM:
Agency Objectives
For the agency, the Practicum experience:
For the student, the PRACTICUM:
- Provides an opportunity to engage in on-the-job application of classroom theories and techniques;
- Assists in developing added value skills in an area of interest and in the planning and organization of a related service or community activity;
- Provides opportunities to undertake challenging and stimulating tasks which often entail a significant contribution to the quality of life for persons served by the organization in which one serves their practicum;
- Identifies strengths and weaknesses of professional behavior;
- Allows him/her to enter the professional world gradually, under competent supervision and guidance;
- Presents an opportunity to interact with and learn from professional practitioners in their area of expertise;
- Offers a situation in which to learn and investigate human interaction; and
- Provides an opportunity to network and evaluate the field of the organization as a professional career.
Agency Objectives
For the agency, the Practicum experience:
- Offers practitioners the chance to provide expertise relative to theory and practice obtained in the classroom setting;
- Offers the opportunity to improve in-service training for permanent employees;
- May allows employers an opportunity to survey and evaluate prospective employees;
- Provides an expanded ability to serve clientele through the contributions of the student;
- Provides opportunities to establish cooperative relationships which extend beyond the Practicum program;
- Provides a means of comparing in-class preparation (of the students) with what is practiced by the agency; and
- Provides an opportunity to be a partner in the preparation of future professionals.
- Provides a laboratory setting for the testing and application of theoretical models;
- Strengthens the educational process of preparing future professionals;
- Assists in the development of a cooperative working relationship between educators and practitioners;
- Offers a means of assessing the quality and relevance of classroom courses;
- Provides an opportunity to evaluate the student’s needs, abilities and progress in their professional development;
- Facilitates sharing of resources and pursuit of common goals with professional agencies and institutions;
- Provides the faculty with up-to-date information on programs currently existing within the range of university contact so as to keep abreast of issues, problems, and innovations of professionals in the field; and notes the primary educational concern of the curriculum as the preparation of people to advance within the realm of the profession.
practicum description
Title: Research and Evaluation Associate
Employer: BuildaBridge International, Philadelphia, PA
Timeframe: June 18 - December 6, 2015
Hours per week: 6 hours per week working in office and virtually, plus 2-4 hours every two weeks volunteering for Community Programs classes as part of Refugee Project.
Responsibilities: Assist in teaching, assessment, and reporting for the Refugee Project and Community Programs. This position will be working to draft a final report for the Bhutanese Elders project as well as draft a summary report for the Mommy-Baby class that took place in Spring 2015.
Learning Objectives:
1. To better understand curriculum development and lesson planning.
2. To observe, learn, practice, and be able to replicate the BuildaBridge Classroom Model.
3. To gain more experience as a classroom teaching assistant.
4. To gain more professional writing experience.
(Official Letter of Appointment and Internship Contract available if requested.)
Employer: BuildaBridge International, Philadelphia, PA
Timeframe: June 18 - December 6, 2015
Hours per week: 6 hours per week working in office and virtually, plus 2-4 hours every two weeks volunteering for Community Programs classes as part of Refugee Project.
Responsibilities: Assist in teaching, assessment, and reporting for the Refugee Project and Community Programs. This position will be working to draft a final report for the Bhutanese Elders project as well as draft a summary report for the Mommy-Baby class that took place in Spring 2015.
Learning Objectives:
1. To better understand curriculum development and lesson planning.
2. To observe, learn, practice, and be able to replicate the BuildaBridge Classroom Model.
3. To gain more experience as a classroom teaching assistant.
4. To gain more professional writing experience.
(Official Letter of Appointment and Internship Contract available if requested.)