Course description
In this degree practicum course, students engage in experiential learning through supervised work alongside practitioners and participants in selected sites. Students integrate theory and philosophy with professional practice. Students will observe and conduct assessments and will design, implement and evaluate individual and group program plans. Demonstration of activity analysis and adaptation will be assessed as students lead small group activities. Throughout practicum, students will establish effective working relations with TR practitioners and interdisciplinary teams that offer therapeutic recreation and health promotion services.
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.
- Designing, implementing, and evaluating individual and group programs develops group facilitation/leadership skills and enhances understanding of group dynamics.
- Demonstrating the ability to analyze and adapt activities enhances group facilitation and leadership skills.
- Observing and conducting assessments and learning APIE develop competencies in TR assessment process.
- Observing and engaging with clients through systematic processes develops therapeutic recreation skills and therapeutic relationship building skills.
- Practicum experiences provide opportunities to develop self-reflective practice skills and advance critical thinking 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.
Learning activities
- Field practice and guidance
- 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
- Midpoint and final evaluation meetings with site supervisor and college supervisor.
This is a Mastery/Non-Mastery course.
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 Recreation Therapist’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 utilize assessment tools and document participant/client progress.
- Develop, facilitate, and evaluate individual and group therapeutic recreation activities, using leadership skills and group facilitation techniques, including activity analysis.
- Demonstrate awareness of group processes, activity adaptation and an understanding of the group dynamics that influence Therapeutic Recreation programming.