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Practicum Responsibilities

The following is intended to inform all parties of their responsibilities and roles and create clear expectations within the Behavioural Science (BHS) practicum program.

Responsibilities of the Practicum Supervisor*:

  • Provide the student with an orientation to the practicum site including an orientation to the site’s policies, procedures and ethics
  • Design a job description for the practicum student so all parties involved have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the student
  • Give the student opportunities to experience practical operations in the field of behavioural science and ways to meaningfully engage in the work of the organization
  • Directly supervise and meet with the student at least 1 hour for every 10 hours worked (supervised working hours may be included here)
  • Offer constructive feedback to the student throughout the practicum in addition to mid-term meetings and formal final evaluations
  • Inform the Social Sciences Program Coordinator as soon as possible of any notable concerns (403-410-2000 ext. 5913)
  • Provide constructive feedback to the Social Sciences Program Coordinator on overall performance and contracted assignments
  • Recognize the student’s status as a practicum student, and ensure all work required of him/her is appropriate for his/her level of competence
  • Discuss and review the final evaluation with the student
  • Take responsibility for the actions of their student
  • Model ethical practice for their student
  • Use his/her authority to supervise the student and to act as a representative of the agency

 * The practicum supervisor is the staff member who works the closest with the student and is prepared to take on the responsibilities listed above.  Supervision may be shared between two staff members; if that is the case, please ensure that both supervisors have read and agreed to this document.

 

Responsibilities of the Student:

  • Take responsibility for his/her own learning and have an active role in the practicum setting
  • Uphold a level of professionalism in attire, language and attitude, and to respect all matters of the practicum site as confidential
  • Respect and adhere to the policies and procedures of the agency/school
  • Maintain attendance and punctuality and inform the site supervisor and Program Coordinator of all expected absences
  • Seek and accept feedback from site supervisor and BHS Program Coordinator
  • Ask questions and request help when unsure about policies, procedures and expectations
  • Demonstrate awareness and understanding of his/her own level of competence
  • Manage time effectively
  • Establish learning goals with the supervisor at the beginning of each semester
  • Respect all clients, colleagues and supervisors
  • Show maximum effort when completing tasks for the practicum site

 

Responsibilities of Practicum Coordinator (Social Sciences Program Coordinator):

  • Ensure practicum students have met all academic requirements for practicum and have a valid police clearance, and child intervention check when working with minors
  • Assist students in finding a suitable practicum site according to their career goals
  • Network with agencies and schools in and around Calgary to develop and maintain comprehensive and up-to-date contacts, practicum contracts and descriptions
  • Meet formally with the supervisor for mid-term evaluations to discuss student progress, including strengths and areas requiring further development
  • Address concerns, provide consultation and support to the site supervisor and practicum student on an ongoing basis
  • Be available to visit the practicum site upon request

 

Responsibilities of Practicum Instructor and the Behavioural Science Program at Ambrose:

  • Lead weekly regular seminars for both BHS 320 Practicum 1 and BHS 420 Practicum 2 that includes readings, reflections and academic assignments
  • Provide strategic instruction related to theoretical and applied areas pertinent to placements, (e.g. ethics, stress, diversity and other areas).
  • Evaluate students’ progress throughout the semester through papers, journals and classroom discussion
  • Support students in their practicum experience
  • Provide malpractice insurance and worker’s compensation coverage for students placed at approved practicum sites
  • Grade the students’ assignments and practicum work
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