Students' learning, and the assessment of their learning during field education, are guided by the Learning Plan and Progress Review.
Learning Plan
The Learning Plan outlines each student's learning goals and objectives for field education. Instructions for developing the Learning Plan are provided by the student's Faculty Field Liaison (FFL).
The Learning Plan is collaboratively developed by the student and Field Instructor during the first three to five weeks of the practicum, and must be signed by both parties. Specific deadlines are set by the student's FFL.
The Learning Plan is intended to be a working document. Goals and objectives may be modified over the course of the practicum as the student's learning needs become clearer and as learning opportunities evolve. Learning activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Shadowing Field Instructors and other professionals in their work with service users
- Attending meetings
- Participating in events
- Reviewing agency policies and documents
- Completing agency documentation
- Meeting directly with service users
- Other tasks related to the work of the practicum setting
As students' skills and confidence develop, they typically assume increasingly complex responsibilities and take a more active role in negotiating learning goals and activities with their Field Instructor.
Progress Review
Assessment of student learning in field practicum occurs on an ongoing basis, and is designed to highlight strengths, identify learning needs, and support continued growth.
Students are formally assessed at the mid-point and at the end of the practicum. Both the student and the Field Instructor complete the Progress Review independently, after which they meet - either in person or virtually - to discuss the assessment and review the student's Field Education goals and obejctives as outlined in the Learning Plan.
The Faculty Field Liaison does not attend the mid-term assessment meeting, but does review, approve (or request revisions to), and sign the mid-term Progress Review.