Diploma Practicum

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

1. Learning from experience is a characteristic of seasoned practitioners.  Practicum settings create opportunities for students to refine their skills of reflection and adaptation in response to their practice experiences.
2. Learning in a practicum setting provides opportunities to examine assumptions and to explore creative modes of inquiry that are not available in classroom settings.
3. Field settings provide opportunities to synthesize personal and classroom experiences and create openings for new learning.  Learners gain both insight and practice knowledge from field experiences.
4. Observing, participating with, and receiving guidance from experienced practitioners are crucial for effective practice.
5. Practitioners who regularly and accurately assess their performance and who set goals for their ongoing professional development are effective in their work.
6. A well developed personal philosophy of practice is a cornerstone of competent human service practice.  A personal philosophy needs to be dynamic and informed by and respond to practice experiences.  Learning from previous practicums, classwork and work experiences are reflected in current philosophy and practices.
7. Experience in the field setting allows learners to demonstrate the acquision of new knowledge and enhance their abilities to problem solve, be flexible, think creatively and take responsibility for their actions.  Advanced practica provide the learner opportunities to demonstrate increased skills initiative.
8. Reflecting on and evaluating practicum experiences with peers and mentors maximizes field-based learning experiences.