1
Practicum Manual
&
Syllabus
4-1-10
2
Human Services
Degree Completion Program
SOCA 498
Practicum Manual & SeminarSyllabus
Lacey Nunnally
nunnallyl@evangel.edu
Bring a copy of your Practicum Manual
to all classes.
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SYLLABUS
WELCOME to your Human Services Practicum! Providing services in an agency or
organization is one of the capstone courses of your program. Actually putting into
practice your new knowledge and skills is quite rewarding. I look forward to working
with each of you to make this an excellent experience.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Human Services practicum consists of a supervised field experience in a human
service organization or agency. The practicum provides the student hands on, real-life
human services experiences, supervised by an agency-based field instructor.
Field education provides the opportunity to practice your interviewing skills and to
engage in helping and problem solving with clients in agencies. It also provides the
opportunity to apply Human Services knowledge and values to client experiences. Finally
it enables students to develop the self-awareness necessary for professional performance
as a Human Services worker.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Week 1
The student will




Review possible practicum sites and practicum manual
Review how to get started in your practicum site
Gain an understanding of professionalism within a Human Services agency.
Understand the use of Biblical values and ethics in Human Services practice
Week 2
The student will




Understand the need to develop rapport with client systems from diverse
backgrounds
Review various size systems and the role of the student.
Understand the impact of social policies on clients, worker and agencies
Understand the role of self-awareness and growth and ability to evaluate your
practice in the agency.
Week 3
The student will
 Understand the structure of organizations and impact of local agencies on the
community.
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

Understand the need for critical thinking skills in your practice in the agency
Identify ways workshop and seminars can influence professional development
TEXT
Human Services Practicum Manual – Attached to this document
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Your performance in practicum must be demonstrated in both the placement agency and
in your written work. As a result, you will receive a letter-grade for practicum that
considers both these elements.
Your performance in the agency is evaluated by your Field Instructor and Evangel
Liaison and your final grade will given by the Evangel Liaison.
The remainder of your grade for this course is based on assignments due throughout the
practicum according to the following criteria:
Assignment
100 hour practicum + 50
hours toward a Resource
Manual
150-hour practicum only
Journals
Learning Contract
Weekly Exercises
Points
700
Due Date
TBA
700
160
100
40
TBA – L. Nunnally
Every month
Within 2 weeks of start date
During 3 week course
Journals (160 points)
See practicum manual for details. To be submitted monthly during practicum.
Learning Contract (100 points)
See practicum manual for details. Must be submitted within 2 weeks of the start of
practicum.
Practicum Guidelines


Students must satisfactorily complete all practicum hours by________. This will
be documented by time sheets and journals as well as phone contact with your
field instructor.
The Practicum Manual will serve as an extension of this syllabus and provide the
framework for the practicum experience.
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
No student can pass this class without the completion of 150 hours.
Practicum Site / Site Evaluation
Students must complete the final evaluation located at the end of the Practicum Manual.
We believe your comments about your practicum are valuable and will help us determine
if other students should use your agency as a practicum site.
Your evaluation needs to be filled out and turned in within 2 weeks of the completion of
practicum. Please take 5 minutes to complete the form and mail to:
Lacey Nunnally
Evangel University
1111 North Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65802
Grade
A = 900-1000 points and completion of a minimum of 100 hours of practicum plus
B = 800 – 899 points and completion of a minimum of 100 hours of practicum plus
C = 700 – 799 points and completion of a minimum of 100 hours of practicum plus
D = 600 – 699 points and completion of a minimum of 100 hours of practicum plus
F = 0 – 599 points
COURSE OUTLINE
Week 1




Review possible practicum sites
Review how to get started in your practicum site
Gain an understanding of professionalism within a Human Services agency.
Understand the use of Biblical values and ethics in Humans Services practice.
Assignments
 Review the Practicum Manual prior to class and make a list of questions to be
discussed during class time and later submitted to instructor.
Week 2




Understand the need to develop rapport with client systems from diverse
backgrounds
Review various size systems and the role of the student.
Understand the impact of social policies on clients, worker and agencies
Understand the role of self-awareness and growth and ability to evaluate your
practice in the agency.
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Assignments ( 20 points)
 Locate 1 article from a local common source such as a newspaper, on each of the
following topics. Condense into your own words and be ready to share a basic
review with the class. Topics include:
o A story about a possible client from a diverse background, religion,
orientation…and how you might intervene as a human service worker.
o A social policy change and how this policy might impact clients and
agencies
 Review journaling requirements and time sheets for practicum. List questions and
discuss in class.
Week 3




Understand the structure of organizations and impact of local agencies on the
community.
Understand the need for critical thinking skills in your practice in the agency.
Identify ways workshops and seminars can influence professional development.
Tour an agency, as available
Assignments (20 points)
 List 4-5 ways you might use critical thinking skills from a Human Service
perspective in your practicum agency.
 List 4-5 ways the structure of an organization might impact you in the practicum
setting.
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Practicum Manual
Degree Completion
Human Services
4-1-10
Lacey Nunnally MSW
nunnallyL@evangel.edu
x 8610
Please utilize email as the main form of
communication prior to and during practicum.
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Degree Completion
Practicum Sites
Practicum Sites
Please research these agencies on the Internet prior to contacting
Common Ground Supervised Access Program
C/O Greene County Juvenile Office
1111 North Robberson
Springfield, MO 65802
234-6847
Regional Girl’s Shelter – Leslie Snyder
2740 East Pythian
Springfield, MO 65802
862-9634 Will do nights and weekends
NAMI
1701 S. Campbell
Springfield, MO 65807
864-3676 Will do some nights
Duane Long - Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks
889-9136
Salvation Army
1707 W. Chestnut Expy
Springfield, MO 65801
862-5509 Jeff Smith……Will do nights and weekends in Housing/Homeless program
Boys and Girls Club
1300 N. Boonville
1401 N. Fremont
Springfield, MO
865-6082
862-9249 ……No weekends
Boys and Girls Town of Missouri
1212 W. Lombard
Springfield, MO 65806
865-1646
Mary Martin (Anticipate 3-4 week period for background check prior to start date)
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CASA
1300 Bradford Parkway
Springfield, MO
864-7413….Mainly days
Dan Prater
dan@casaswmo.org
www.casaswmo.org
Family Violence Center
P. O. Box 5972
Springfield, Mo
837-7700
Greene County Juvenile Detention
1111 N. Robberson
Springfield, Mo 65802
868-4008…..Ask to work in the detention center which has nights and weekends
Maranatha Village
233 Norton Rd
Springfield, MO 65803
833-0016
Volunteer Coordinator
Ozarks Food Harvest (Day only)
615 N. Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65802
Volunteer Coordinator
Cox Health
Pat Long – Volunteer Coordinator
269-3169
phylis.long@coxhealth.com
Carol Jones Recovery Center for Women
Nights and Weekends available after training
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Practicum
The Evangel University utilizes an approach to field instruction, which enhances the
integration of practice and theory. The field experience brings together what the student
has learned from course content and life experiences, to form the basis of a sound
approach to generalist practice at the undergraduate level.
Malcolm Knowles (1970) outlines seven steps that assist adult learners to reach their full
potential:
1. Set a climate conducive to adult learning.
2. Establish a structure for mutual, participatory planning.
3. Diagnose learning needs.
4. Formulate objectives.
5. Design learning activities.
6. Implement learning activities.
7. Re-diagnose learning needs through evaluation.
Our goal is to empower adult learners to reach their full potential in their field
educational experience. This involves each learner taking the initiative to seek out the
education/learning experiences needed to produce entry level competency.
The Human Services Program has designed objectives for the practicum experience that
are consistent with the mission of Evangel University and its institutional goals.
PRACTICUM OBJECTIVES
The Human Services Program has established specific objectives that must be achieved in
order for students to successfully complete their field experience.
The practicum is designed to provide opportunities and learning experiences to enable the
learner to:
1. Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking skills within the context of a human
services perspective.
2. Demonstrate the use of Biblical values and ethics in practice that reflects
sensitivity to and awareness of the positive value of diversity.
3. Demonstrate the ability to develop rapport with client systems
4. Understand and apply the knowledge, values, and skills of Human Services, to
practice with micro, mezzo and macro systems.
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5. Apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect individual
development and behavior.
6. Understand the impact of social policies on client systems, worker, and agencies.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Qualifications for applicants.



Complete all required Degree Completion courses up to practicum.
Have available transportation to the Practicum site.
Agreement of the Director of Human Services that the learner is ready for a 100150 hour practicum. You must declare prior to practicum if you are doing 100 or
150 hours in the practicum and no changes after that time can be made. You
CANNOT decide on 150 hours and then change to 100 during your practicum.
When to submit your ideas for practicum site Your ideas and work toward locating a
practicum must be submitted to the Evangel liaison (Lacey Nunnally) prior to or during
the Practicum class.
How much time is required? Undergraduate majors are expected to spend a minimum
of 100-150 clock hours in the agency. Again, you must declare at the beginning of your
practicum if you will do 100 or150 hours in the agency. No changes are made after the
initial start of the practicum.
Grading. The practicum has a regular academic grading system. Most of the final
grade, will be based on placement performance. Due to the varied times of practicum
completion, your professor asks that you keep a close check to make sure your grade has
been entered into the system and contact Ms Nunnally if a grade change needs to be
submitted. An initial grade is submitted, which is an “I” as most students do not complete
the practicum in 3 weeks. A grade change sheet will be completed by Ms Nunnally to
change your grade. You are asked to partner with the professor to make sure this process
is completed. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AN “A” IF YOUR PAPERWORK
IS NOT IN MY EMAIL BOX ON TIME.
Change of courses or plans. This matter must be taken care of as early as possible,
since agencies cooperate with the Human Services Program in providing field
placements. These agencies must be notified in advance of any changes. The learner
must also notify the Evangel Liaison about any changes in their address, phone number,
or any other pertinent information contained in the application.
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Approval or denial of your choice of a practicum site. Recommendations will be
based on the student meeting the following criteria:
1.
The student has no personal, physical, or mental limitations, which would
be detrimental to the welfare of the clients he/she would serve.
2.
The student has demonstrated a capacity to develop healthy relationships
with friends, instructors, ministers, etc.
Criteria for Selection of Agency Field Instructors:
To qualify as a Field Instructor one must:
1.
Hold at least a BS in the Human Services field, plus 1 year experience.
2.
Complete an application to become a Field Instructor. If we have one on
file, there will not be a need to complete another one.
3.
Incorporate the values and ethics of the profession in agency work.
4.
Be committed to the education of undergraduate students.
5.
Provide orientation to the agency and job/task.
6.
Assist the student in formulating a learning contract at the beginning of
the term.
7.
Provide a minimum of 30 minutes of supervision every 2 weeks in order
to assure feedback and education.
UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Human Services Program at Evangel University is committed to work with social
welfare and community agencies in a way that will encourage, enhance, and develop
student potential for beginning practice. The Program takes responsibility for the
following:
1.
Making contact with each agency prior to practicum placement.
2.
Designating an Evangel Liaison to work with the agency supervisor.
3.
Providing students with appropriate basic training for beginning generalist
practice.
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4.
Conferring with Field Instructors with regard to problems or concerns
about prospective students.
5.
Providing continuous guidance as a means of support for students to help
them understand the significance of positive relationships.
6.
Notifying the Field Instructor of any practicum cancellations.
FIELD INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The following suggestions serve as a guideline for Field Instructors who work with social
work practicum students:
1.
Provide the student with an orientation to the agency setting, make
introductions to appropriate staff, including Director if possible. The
orientation should include information about the following:
-
Purpose, function, policies, and goals of the agency.
Source of funding.
Agency clientele.
Geographic area or service.
Specific activities.
Relationship to community and other agencies.
Expectations of students, agency representatives and social
workers.
Student's expectations of the agency and support received from
agency supervisors.
Personnel regulations.
Any reading material about the agency.
Any possible need for student to obtain TB test, Hepatitis
vaccination, or any other medical requirements.
Vehicle insurance and malpractice insurance needs.
2.
Assess the manner in which students will be supervised (i.e., individually,
groups, or both). The approach should fit into the agency structure
without any disruptions.
3.
Ascertain from students their interests, goals, and learning style in order to
help them grow professionally. One avenue consists of assistance in
formulating a learning contract.
4.
Job assignments should be distributed after orientation. The assignments
should be consistent with the skill level of the student in order to
encourage working relationships with individual clients, groups, and other
professionals.
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5.
Make instructions clear and concise so that students will understand the
purpose behind the desired outcomes.
6.
Insure that as students grow and learn during the field experience, the
nature and complexity of assignments will be increased.
7.
Guide students in organizing and planning their work.
8.
Allow time for attending staff and board meetings and visiting outside
agencies.
9.
Provide opportunities for students to work with varied client systems and
populations whenever possible. Student caseloads should include clients
from diverse cultural settings whenever possible.
10.
Provide opportunities for students to observe a variety of staff members in
specific work situations that enhance the field learning experience.
11.
Teach students effective verbal and written communication skills.
12.
Assist students in integrating knowledge, theory, human service concepts
and values into the practicum.
LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE STUDENT:
The following is a list of learning experiences, many of which were taken from the book
Field Instruction Techniques for Supervisors, authored by Suanna Wilson. This list is not
exhaustive, but it does serve as a sample of possibilities.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Read old case records or agency reports.
Observe the agency supervisor or others conducting an interview. The student
should be directed to watch for specific behaviors, responses, or techniques, and
prepare a verbal or written critique focusing on strengths and weaknesses of the
interview.
Listen to a tape-recorded interview or lecture or watch an audio-visual
presentation. (Prepare a critique for discussion.)
Attend a meeting and take notes for supervisory discussion (e.g.: agency board
meeting, staff meetings or meetings of community groups).
Come to the agency at night, on weekends or at other "off hours" to see what goes
on at that time. This is especially pertinent in settings that are active beyond
normal working hours.
Tape-record an interview with a client or family (with their permission). The tape
can be played and discussed in supervisory conferences.
Have a student interview you for purposes of a social history.
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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Attend interdisciplinary conferences and case presentations as an observer or
participant.
Have a student sit quietly in an intake or waiting room area and observe the
atmosphere, conversation and behaviors of persons entering the service delivery
system as well as those who serve them.
Depending upon the agency, assign the student a caseload of 5 to 10 clients.
Have the students do client assessments, set goals, develop strategies and evaluate
client progress.
Visit other agencies and service delivery systems in the local community. This
may be arranged by the agency supervisor and student.
Attend a court hearing.
Attend professional workshops, seminars, and lectures in the community using
field placement time.
Co-lead a group.
Conduct interviews with clients and provide direct supportive services.
Make home-visits. Every student should have the experience of seeing clients in
their natural environment. This may be arranged even it if is not a normal agency
function.
Carry a beeper or be on call via home telephone.
Do role-playing with agency supervisors to try out new skills and techniques.
Participate in orienting new students or staff to agency.
Keep a daily log of experiences in the field and reactions to them.
Process-record an individual interview, group session, telephone contact, etc., for
supervisory review and feedback.
Participate in a one-way mirror observation, either as an observer or as a subject.
Interview upper-level administrators and supervisors to acquire specific
information about the program and their roles.
Assist in writing the program's policy and procedure information for and prepare
an annual budget.
Prepare a grant proposal.
Set up and lead a group.
Plan, lead and conduct a fund-raising activity.
Participate (or assume leadership role) in a committee to plan a major workshop,
inspired by the student's placement experience and the supervision received.
Write one's own performance evaluation of the field placement experience and
supervision received.
Prepare an evaluation of the field placement experience and the supervision
received.
Plan and complete a special project, such as developing a community service
directory or making life books for foster care children.
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MONITORING OF PRACTICUM EXPERIENCES
It is the responsibility of the agency Field Coordinator and the Evangel Liaison to
monitor the practicum experience to ensure cooperation and coordination between the
University, the agency and the student.
Evangel Liaison
Listed below are several monitoring tasks used by the Faculty Liaison in an attempt to
promote a quality practicum experience.
1.
Monitoring is conducted in practicum and other classes. Focus includes group
discussion on the past week's events, journal entries and assignments that promote
the integration of classroom and field learning.
2.
Emailed journals and time sheets will assist the Evangel Liaison (Lacey
Nunnally) in monitoring the student and practicum experience.
Field Instructor
It is also the responsibility of both the Field Instructor and the student to monitor the field
experience. Listed below are several monitoring tasks that are helpful as the Field
Instructor attempts to promote a quality practicum experience:
1.
Direct observation of the student.
2.
Feedback from other agency personnel.
3.
Feedback from clients about the student's interactions.
4.
Supervisory conferences for mutual evaluation of the student's
performance.
STUDENT EVALUATIONS
Listed below are several evaluation concepts.
1.
Evaluation is a process. Therefore, evaluation begins on the first day of
the field experience and ends on the day the student formally leaves the
agency. This ongoing process assists the student in transitioning from the
role of a student to the role of a professional. Honest communication and
evaluation by the Field Instructor assists the student in his/her selfappraisal and provides a setting where the student can honestly react to the
evaluation. This includes meeting regularly with the student and providing
honest feedback about his/her performance period.
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2.
Consider the student's individual learning style within reason, which
varies with each student and influences how he/she receives new
knowledge and experiences. Awareness of each others' learning styles can
lead to a greater understanding of the strengths and weaknesses inherent
in each and can lead to developing ways of expanding learning abilities.
3.
Establish an avenue for students to evaluate themselves in both formal and
informal ways.
4.
Design and implement learning activities, which can be evaluated in
weekly supervisory meetings to determine how the student is functioning
in the agency.
5.
From the beginning of the practicum experience, Field Instructors and
students should be aware of the criteria used for the evaluation. Thus the
student will be aware of the areas that will be examined and graded and
how to best go about working toward these goals.
The primary purpose of an evaluation is to assist the student in his/her own growth and
development as a professional social worker. As the student's strengths are affirmed and
areas of growth are identified, the student becomes a more competent, self-aware, and
self-evaluating professional. The secondary purpose is to identify those students who are
not yet, or who may never be, suited for the social work profession. The Faculty Liaison
works closely with the Field Instructor and student, should this type of student be
identified.
Formal Evaluations
An Evangel Liaison will call or email the agency field coordinator to discuss the
student’s progress. Responsibility for the student's final semester grade rests with the
Field Instructor and Faculty Liaison. An incomplete could be given if 100-150 hours are
not completed and paperwork not turned in at time due.
HANDLING PROBLEM SITUATIONS IN THE PRACTICUM
The practicum is a learning experience. The individual needs and expectations of each
agency will vary, as will the needs and expectations of each student. Therefore, it is safe
to assume that some learners may encounter difficulties with their agency supervisor,
agency work assignments, or the lack thereof.
If problems occur during the practicum experience, the learner should attempt to resolve
the matter with his/her Field Instructor. If necessary, the student should consult with the
Evangel Liaison to arrange a meeting with all official parties.
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One of the ways to handle such difficulties is to establish a contract. This would be
negotiated between the Evangel Liaison and the student and would specify steps to be
taken toward resolution. A time limit should be established for the accomplishment of
this plan. Several interviews with the student should be scheduled to determine whether
the steps in the contract have been successfully accomplished. The Director of the Human
Services Program may negotiate the contract as needed. Should the problems not be
resolved, practicum reassignment could occur or possibly dismissal.
PRACTICUM REASSIGNMENT
Procedures for reassignment include:
1.
The learner and Field Instructor should meet to discuss the
concern/problem. If the matter is especially sensitive, the student may first
approach with the Evangel Liaison and seek feedback.
2.
The learner, Field Instructor and Evangel Liaison should meet to discuss
the problem, beginning with an examination of whether a solution can be
found within the agency.
3.
The Evangel Liaison at this time will meet with the Program Director,
should the reassignment seem indicated or likely.
4.
If a solution is not found within the agency, the Faculty Liaison will seek
to terminate the placement.
5.
The student and Evangel Liaison will explore new placement options if
appropriate. In this situation the Evangel Liaison and Human Services
Director will determine if a transfer of accumulated hours is acceptable,
and a decision will be given to the learner on this matter.
6.
The Evangel Liaison and student will make arrangements for a new
placement, and a start date will be established.
REMOVAL FROM THE PRACTICUM SITE
Occasionally a student may have a problem at the practicum site, which requires that
he/she leave the placement. Should problematic behavior be the issue, it is hoped that
past occurrences and present concerns are well documented. Illegal behavior, psychotic
behavior, extremely inappropriate behavior or physical abuse are some of the grounds for
immediate termination.
Students may also be terminated from their practicum experience if, in the professional
judgment of the Human Services faculty, violations of professional and/or ethical codes
have occurred. These violations may include but are not limited to:
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1.
Behavior judged to be in violation of the agency ethical standards.
3.
Unresolved personal issues, which, in the professional judgment of the
faculty, could impair effective provision of quality services to future
clients.
4.
Psychiatric disturbances, which, in the professional judgment of the
faculty, could impair effective quality provision of services to future
clients.
5.
Evidence of chemical dependency or physical abuse documented as
occurring during the practicum.
6.
Inappropriate behavior and/or an inability to develop the appropriate
interpersonal skills necessary for effective social work practice.
7.
Documented evidence of criminal activity occurring during the course of
study, or which occurred prior to admission to the program and became
known after admission.
Prior to practicum termination, the student will be provided with verbal and written
notification of impending program probation or termination. The acquired hours will not
transfer unless approval is granted from the Director of the Human Services Program.
PLACEMENTS AT WORK SITES
It is the policy of the Human Services Program to discourage and limit field placements
at a student's place of employment. Although the faculty recognizes the financial
difficulties that many students experience in order to obtain their undergraduate
education, we have developed this policy to protect the student and to ensure the
academic integrity of the field placement.
When there is not a clear distinction between field requirements and work tasks, the
student's learning experience may be compromised. The field practicum is the student's
opportunity to explore, test, develop skills and obtain new knowledge.
Under special circumstances, a student may engage in a field practicum at the same
agency as the work site. It is mandatory that there be a different field supervisor from the
work supervisor and that the field placement activities be distinct from tasks performed
as a part of the student's employment. The field supervisor and the administration of the
placement agency must agree upon proposals for such arrangements. No credit will be
granted for life or prior work experience.
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LEARNING CONTRACT
The Learning Contract is an agreement designed by the student with the Field Instructor
that assures an educational focus to the practicum. Learning contracts are developed as
learners begin placement and are used to guide the educational experience.
It is important for each learner to be involved in choosing a practicum site. Each person
should be excited about his/her chosen agency and the new learning experiences that lie
ahead. Now the learner is given another opportunity to supplement his/her educational
experience as the student reflects on his/her desired goals and objectives while in this
agency.
During the term, the Field Instructor, as well as the Evangel Liaison, will review
accomplishments made on the Learning Contract. Therefore the Learning Contract
becomes an important educational tool in the practicum experience.
PLANNING AND USING THE LEARNING CONTRACT
The following guidelines should be considered as Learning Contracts are made:
1.
Review and understand the practicum goals and objectives
listed. The learning contract must include the provided
goals and objectives.
2.
Evaluations will rely heavily on the learner’s learning contract.
The following guidelines can be used to guide the use of the Learning Contract:
1.
The Field Instructor and learner should refer to the contract during their
instructional conferences.
2.
Feedback should be given to the Evangel Liaison through journals as to
progress being made on the Learning Contract.
CONSTRUCTING THE LEARNING CONTRACT
Learning Goals (Use the provided sample and add to it)
Learning goals are described as broad, long-term, non-measurable intentions or
aspirations for the semester. Goals describe desired outcomes, or what the student wants
to achieve in his/her practicum.
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Learning Objectives
Learning objectives are sub-elements of the goal and represent steps toward achieving the
goal.
It can include such items as reading, researching, writing, observing, participating in
agency and professional meetings, making presentations, practicing specific skills,
charting, recording, etc.
Evaluation
The student is responsible for keeping accurate records indicating when each objective is
accomplished. Once the student has neared the completion of 100 hours, the supervisor
and student should review the learning contract for completion, provide comments and
mail to Lacey Nunnally, field liaison.
Submission of Learning Contract
The student should type a copy of the Learning Contract including all details that are
specific to your practicum situation.
Next, ask the Evangel Liaison and Field Instructor to sign the Learning Contract and mail
or give copies to each. This should be referred to during the practicum to make sure your
stated goals are being accomplished.
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Learning Contract
(To be completed soon after starting practicum and submitted to Field Instructor and Evangel)
Goal 1 To familiarize myself with the agency
Objective 1
To read the agency policy and procedure manual
Objective 2
To job shadow and interview staff in various positions.
Objective 3
Evaluation:
Goal 2 To learn about the community’s social service agencies
Objective 1 To visit 3 agencies by the end of the practicum
Objective 2
To locate a resource manual and read about community services
Objective 3
To interview 2 staff members about their referral process
Objective 4
Evaluation:
Goal 3 To improve my interviewing skills
Objective 1 To observe 3 interviews conducted by agency staff
Objective 2 To conduct at least 5 interviews with clients by the end of the practicum.
Objective 3
To attend 2 groups in the agency or community related to client problems
Evaluation:
Goal 4 To work indirectly and directly with clients
Objective 1
To write 5 progress notes for F.I. to review by end of practicum
Objective 2 To assist FI in locating resources for minimum of 3 clients
Objective 3 To identify terminology used within agency in reference to client needs
Objective 4
Evaluation:
Goal 5 (Write one specific to agency)
Objective 1
Objective 2
Evaluation:
I will conduct ________ hours in my practicum (100 or 150). This cannot change during the process unless
approved by the field coordinator, Evangel faculty liaison and the director of Human Services at Evangel.
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Bachelors in Human Services – Degree Completion
Agency - Field Instructor Application
Name: ____________________________ Date of application ___________________
Agency Name: ________________________________________________________
Agency Address: ______________________________________________________
Telephone: (
)
Email address __________________________
Highest Educational Degree _________________________________________
Years of Human Services Experience _________
Description of proposed 100-hour practicum:
What are the particular characteristics and/or skills a student would need for successful
practicum in your agency?
____________________
Signature
Additional comments:
______________
Date
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Degree Completion
Journal Format
Must follow this format or journals will be returned with no credit
To be submitted
 Monthly by email -2 double spaced pages maximum if you do around 8 hours per
week. Should you do 15-20 hours per week, email me for instructions.
 Due first working day of each month
Name ________________________________
Date ___________________________
Agency _______________________ Field Instructor’s Name _____________________
Duties performed over the past month (Identify Learning Contract accomplishments)
Concepts pulled from class, texts readings …. and applied to practicum situations
Empowering experience of the month
Challenge of the month
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Time Sheet
Email every 3 weeks
Name ____________________________ Email_________________________
Agency ___________________________________________
Field Instructor _____________________________________
Date ____________________________
Number of hours __________________
Experiences :
Date ____________________________
Number of hours __________________
Experiences:
Date ____________________________
Number of hours __________________
Experiences:
Date ____________________________
Number of hours __________________
Experiences:
Date ____________________________
Number of hours __________________
Experiences:
Please keep track of your hours
PRIOR HOURS _______
TOTAL HOURS _______
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FINAL EVALUATION – Evaluate Goals 1-4
Completed by the Field Instructor
Student Name _________________________________
Goal 1 To familiarize myself with the agency
Objective 1
To read the agency policy and procedure manual
Objective 2
To job shadow and interview staff in various positions.
Objective 3
(Student decides –see Learning contract)
Field Instructor comments:
Goal 2 To learn about the community’s social service agencies
Objective 1 To visit 2-3 agencies by the end of the practicum
Objective 2
To locate a resource manual and read about community services
Objective 3
To interview 2 staff members about their referral process
Objective 4
(Student decides – See Learning Contract)
Field Instructor comments:
Goal 3 To improve my interviewing skills
Objective 1 To observe 2-3 interviews conducted by agency staff
Objective 2
To conduct at least 4-5 interviews with clients by the end of the practicum.
Objective 3
To attend 2 groups in the agency or community related to client problems
Field Instructor comments:
27
continue
Goal 4 To work indirectly and directly with clients
Objective 1
To write 4-5 progress notes for F.I. to review by end of practicum
Objective 2 To assist FI in locating resources for minimum of 2-3 clients
Objective 3 To identify terminology used within agency in reference to client needs
Objective 4
(Student decides – See Learning Contract)
Field Instructor Comments:
Goal 5 (Write one specific to agency)
Objective 1
Objective 2
Field Instructor Comments:
Additional Overall Comments
Signature ____________________________________
Agency ___________________________________
Phone ___________________ Email address __________________________________
Date ____________
Please mail to:
Lacey Nunnally
Evangel University
1111 North Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65802
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Student FINAL EVALUATION
(Student only completes at the end of the practicum and mails to Lacey Nunnally)
Student_______________________________ Agency __________________
Field Instructor ________________________ Date ____________________
I.
Agency
A. Orientation and Training (to be completed first semester only)
1. Did you receive an agency orientation? __Yes __No
B. Physical Setting
1. I had:
___ a place to store materials
___ a permanent desk at which to work
___ an office of my own
___ an office with other people
___ access to a phone
___ access to get supplies as I needed them
___ a place to conduct confidential business
2. To what extent was staff (other than Field Instructor) available for providing
assistance to you?
C. Learning Opportunities and Responsibilities
1. Were cases, or projects relevant to your learning needs available for
assignment? ___Yes ___No
Explain.
2. Were the assignments you received appropriate for your skill level?
___ appropriate
___ too high
___ too low
Explain.
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3. To what extent were you able to integrate and apply your academic knowledge
with your experiences in the agency?
4. Describe the clients with whom you worked and the primary problems
presented by them.
Clients:
Problems:
II. Field Instructor
A. Supervision
1. How often were planned supervisory conferences held?
___ every week
___ every month
___ every two weeks
___ other (specify)
B. Please rate your Field Instructor in the agency using the following scale.
0 = Not Applicable
1 = Unsatisfactory
2 = Fair
3 = Good
4 = Exceptional
____ 1. Assisted me in becoming part of the agency.
____ 2. Encourage critical assessment and evaluation of my work with
clients.
____ 3. Role modeled specific practice skills.
____ 4. Encouraged identification with professional values and encouraged
professional behavior consistent with those values.
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____ 5. Was clear and consistent about the expectations of this placement.
___ 6. Provided clear, understandable feedback on an ongoing basis.
___ 7. Was accessible to answer my questions and concerns.
Comments:
III. Summary
Describe one or two experiences which you felt were valuable and state what you
learned from those experiences.
SIGNATURE
Student ______________________________
Mail to:
Lacey Nunnally
c/o Evangel - Social Work Program
1111 North Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65802
Date _____________