Unit information: Practice Learning 2 in 2012/13

Unit name	Practice Learning 2
Unit code	SPOLM5107
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Ms. Gail Kitchin
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	practice learning 1, Social work Studies, Applied Social Sciences and Law.
Co-requisites	Evidence-based practice, Inter-professional practice.
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The unit provides students with a practice learning opportunity of 115 days, in an agency setting, supervised and assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced practice assessor. Placements in the region are managed on cooperative basis involving key HEIs and placement agencies. Students are assessed according to the National Occupational Standards defined by TOPSS (now Skills for Care), and placements are monitored and evaluated via established arrangements for quality assurance.

The unit aims to:

1. To provide students with a placement in a social work context, managed and assessed according to National Occupational Standards and the Department of Health (2002) Requirements for Social Work Training.
2. To enable students to demonstrate that they have met fully, and at a level suitable for admission to the General Social Care Council register of social workers, the National Occupational Standards for social work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will:

Demonstrate competence in social practice, defined formally by the National Occupational Standards for social work. In summary form these standards are described via the following key roles:

• Prepare for, and work with, individuals, families, groups and communities to assess their needs and circumstances.

• Plan, carry out, review and evaluate social work practice with individuals, families, carers, groups, communities and other individuals.

• Support individuals to represent their needs, views and circumstances.

• Manage risk to individuals, families, carers, groups, communities, self and colleagues.

• Manage and be accountable, with supervision and support, for practice within a social work and social care organisation.

• Demonstrate professional competence in social work practice at the level of a beginning practitioner.

Teaching Information

Each placement will provide 115 days practice-based learning, supervised and assessed by a suitably qualified practice assessor, with support from a University tutor.

Assessment Information

Students’ practice will be assessed by means of a Portfolio of practice evidence (assessed by the practice assessor in consultation with a University tutor and other relevant people who may be involved with the placement) and by a Case Study assignment (4000 words) marked by the University tutor. The outcome of the assessed Case Study will provide the recorded mark for the unit, and the portfolio will be assessed on a pass / fail basis. The standards for all practice assessment will be the National Occupational Standards for social work.

Extensive guidance on assessment of the placement is provided via a Practice Learning Handbook, which is updated annually in the light of issues arising from monitoring and quality assurance procedures. The unit learning outcomes (above) are consistent with the more detailed Occupational Standards.

Both elements of assessment (assignment and portfolio) must be passed for the award of credit points.

Reading and References

• Martyn H. (ed) (2000), Developing Reflective Practice. Bristol: The Policy Press.

• O’Hagan K. (ed.) (2007), Competence in Social Work Practice: A practical guide for students and professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2nd ed.

• Shardlow S. and Doel M. (2005), Modern Social Work Practice: Teaching and Learning in Practice Settings. Aldershot: Ashgate.

• Trevithick, P. (2005) Social Work Skills: A Practice Handbook. Buckingham: Open University Press, 2nd ed.

• Wilson K., Ruch G., Lymbery M. and Cooper A. (2008), Social Work: An introduction to contemporary practice. Harlow: Pearson Education.