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Practicum Information

Field Instructor Training Program: From Practitioner to Educator

UW SSW FIELD INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM: FROM PRACTITIONER TO EDUCATOR

A newly designed training program for practicum instructors is being offered to current and potential practicum instructors. Social work field education research shows that specific training for practicum instructors (PIs) significantly improves the students' perception of the quality of their practicum education experience and the quality of the relationship with their field instructor. Here is a description of overall training competency objectives.

TRAINING BENEFITS:

In addition to preparation as effective practicum instructors, participants can receive Continuing Education Units for the 14 actual contact hours of the Practicum Instructor Training Program. Those who complete all ten modules will receive a Certificate in Field Instruction from the UW School of Social Work.

REQUIREMENTS:

Required for new Practicum Instructors and those without prior training, the training program follows a similar sequence of yearly practicum learning tasks required of students. The training will be repeated at least once during the year as new instructors are identified for incoming student cohorts. Online course modules are being developed for those at a distance, and
community-based trainings can be arranged. We are also developing policies regarding those who have taken prior trainings under our old curriculums or who are veteran instructors with years of significant experience.

In group trainings at the School of Social Work, modules are delivered in blocks or sessions and must be taken in sequence, as content builds on learning from previous modules. All modules need to be completed within the first year of teaching. Here is a description of competency objectives for each module.

TRAINING CONTENT AND FORMAT:

SESSION I is 4 hours and includes::
Module1: Mission and Requirements of Field Education,
Module 2: Conducting an Effective Agency Orientation,
Module 3: Incorporating Adult Learning Styles and Theory
Module 4: Developing the Learning Contract

SESSION II is 4 hours includes:
Module 5: Providing Effective Supervision
Module 6: Integrating Theory and Practice
Module 7: Feedback and Evaluation

SESSION III is 3 hours and includes:
Module 8: Building Cultural Competency in Practicum

SESSION IV is 3 hours and includes:
Module 9: Ethics in Practicum, and
Module 10: Working with Challenging Students

2009-2010 FIELD INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SCHEDULE PDF format

OUTLINES and SLIDES of each module will be posted after group delivery, so that content is available to all instructors. The outlines and slides of each module are for your easy reference and review after attending the training. Click here for an outline and slides of each module for your reference.

REGISTRATION will be available quarterly, via email notification to new and previous practicum instructors. Contact your practicum liaison if you are unable to attend trainings and need assistance in determining options for training.

Register for each of the four sessions separately through the following UW SSW Continuing Education weblink: www.peopleware.net/0232. Registration is required to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and credit towards the 14-hour Certificate in Field Instruction.

LOGISTICS: The UW SSW is easily accessible via Metro Transit, though parking can be arranged upon request in the Underground Garage at 15th Avenue NE and 41st St. Lunches will be on your own for the all day sessions.

We are looking forward to working with you. The UW SSW Practicum Team

Practicum Information