Course description
In this second diploma practicum course, students continue to engage in experiential learning through supervised work alongside practitioners and participants in selected sites. Students have an increased level of independence and will continue to actively observe, participate in, plan, and lead individual and group therapeutic recreation activities. Students will engage in self-reflective practice and will integrate and reflect on their professional experiences throughout the practicum while demonstrating critical thinking skills.
Course content
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- Experiential learning is critical for professional practice. Learners gain both insight and practice knowledge from field experiences.
- Observing, participating with, and receiving feedback from experienced practitioners is crucial for effective practice.
- Observing and leading individual and group sessions develops group facilitation and leadership skills.
- Observing and engaging with clients through meaningful 1:1 and group activities develops therapeutic recreation competencies and relationship-building skills.
- Practicum experiences provide opportunities to develop and expand reflective practice skills.
- Experience in practicum settings allows learners to demonstrate and enhance their abilities to problem solve, be flexible, think creatively and take responsibility for their actions.
- A well-developed philosophy of practice and professional behavior are cornerstones of competent human service practice and provide students with an understanding of role and scope within the health care team.
Learning activities
- field practice
- small and large group seminars
Means of assessment
This course will conform to the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:
- demonstration of skills
- self assessment
- observations by site and college supervisor
- completion of written assignments
- participation in seminars
- mid-point and final evaluation meetings with site supervisor and college supervisor.
This is a Mastery/Non-Mastery course.
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes:
Appropriate to the context of the TR setting, upon the successful completion of the practicum course the student should be able to:
- Articulate an understanding of the Therapeutic Recreation Practitioner’s role and scope of practice in an interdisciplinary setting following the CTRA Standards of Practice.
- Demonstrate professional behaviour, including ethical values and practices following the CTRA Code of Ethics.
- Seek, reflect upon, and integrate feedback on one’s professional practice while demonstrating critical thinking skills.
- Develop and demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with participants/clients in both individual and group settings.
- Connect and reflect upon TR theories and practices as they intersect with practice at the setting.
- Demonstrate the ability to report client progress, attendance, engagement, and feedback.
- Use assessment data to inform individual and group facilitation, using leadership skills and basic group facilitation techniques.
- Demonstrate awareness of group processes, activity adaptation, and understanding of the group dynamics that influence recreation programming.