Luis Valentino
Publisher at Valgar Institute: A Publishing Company
Twitter https://twitter.com/edchatter
Website http://www.valentino.org/
Social work education and training has rarely been under so much scrutiny and the quality of practice learning is now very much in the spotlight.
The current scrutiny of the social work degree has led to an increased interest in the idea of a curriculum for social work practice learning. The GSCC recently called for an agreed National Curriculum for the social work degree, arguing that a National curriculum will improve quality in the degree and will mean that employers can be clearer about what to expect of newly qualified social workers.
Only a small number of Universities actually require practice educators to devise a practice learning curriculum, although most do encourage their use in recognition of the many benefits of a curriculum for practice learning.
In his experience Luis Valentino says, once they have found a framework, most practice educators are keen to develop a practice learning curriculum. There are various reasons for this:
To develop a practice learning curriculum for a social work placement Luis Valentino would suggest that practice educators work through the following process:
Set the learning agenda
Think about:
What does the student need to learn?
What will the student are assessed on?
Select appropriate learning opportunities
Bear in mind:
Any specific University requirements
What can be provided in the setting?
Any specific learning needs the student has
Theories of adult learning
Student preferences about learning opportunities
Plan delivery of the opportunities
Think about:
Who is best placed to provide the opportunities/support the student in accessing the opportunities?
When is the best time to provide the opportunities?
Plan for review and evaluation
Ensure there are plans in place to review the effectiveness of the opportunities, to evaluate the curriculum etc. This will involve agreeing:
Think about:
What the actual document looks like isn't important. Some Universities provide a set format for practice teachers to use but most don't. There is a huge variety in how a curriculum is recorded and documented and as long as it is accessible to both the practice educator and the student a practice educator has significant freedom in developing their own style.
About Luis Valentino
Luis Valentino is a goals driven educator with highly developed instructional skills and recognized professional expertise in leadership and curriculum development. A catalyst and driving force behind advancement: thoroughly researches the needs of the students, residents, faculty and the local community.
Specialties:
• Curriculum Development
• Program/Project Management
• Staff Training & Development
• Education Trend Analysis
• Technological Advancements
• Executive Level Presentations
• Relationship Building
• Community Partnerships
• Long Term School Reform