Singapore University of Social Sciences

Social Work Practicum and Field Seminars

Social Work Practicum and Field Seminars (SWK491)

Synopsis

To articulate theory into practice, this 400 hour practicum provides the student with a placement at a social service agency where the students practices under the guidance and supervision of an experienced professional social worker. Besides attending to clients, the student also learns about the running of the organisation. The social work practicum is where the student puts into practice what has been learnt in the classroom. There will be a series of seminars in which the students will discuss issues relating to their practicum.

Level: 4
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every semester

Topics

  • What does it mean to be a social worker?
  • What does it mean to be a professional?
  • How can I structure my learning during field placement?
  • What are the reality, expectations, and concerns during placement?
  • What can I expect from supervision?
  • How can I build a professional relationship with placement supervisors and agency staff?
  • How can I develop professional competencies over field placement?
  • Building resilience through good self-care and support systems
  • Helping the students to develop their potential
  • What to look out for in evaluating students’ learning
  • Termination of field placement: planning for the positive termination
  • Planning for the future: career plan and accreditation

Learning Outcome

  • Analyze the theoretical frameworks for understanding human behavior in the social environment for different field situation
  • Set up the problem-solving process with clients at micro, meso and macro levels of practice
  • Apply sensitivity to client's race, culture/ethnicity in applying helping skills in working with diverse individuals, families, groups and communities
  • Evaluate self in regard to personal values and biases as they relate to professional functioning
  • Improve the ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing
  • Examine and effectively respond to ethical issues in professional social work practice
  • Choose research processes and findings in social work family practice in assessment, intervention and evaluation of their own practice
  • Plan to effectively use supervision
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