Academy for Leadership & Development

Practicum Experience Program Components Developing an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) Developing an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) Reflective Practice – Reflective Thinking Reflective Practice – Reflective Thinking Journaling Journaling Selecting an Institution Mentor Selecting an Institution Mentor Selecting a Program Partner Selecting a Program Partner The Academy Liaison and Coach The Academy Liaison and Coach IPDP/Practicum Reflection Reports IPDP/Practicum Reflection Reports The Electronic Connection The Electronic Connection Applying for Graduate Level Credit (Optional) Applying for Graduate Level Credit (Optional)

Reflection Reflective practice is a mode that integrates thought and action with reflection. It involves thinking about and critically analyzing one’s actions with the goal of improving one’s professional practice. Engaging in reflective practice requires individuals to assume the perspective of an external observer in order to identify the assumptions and feelings underlying their practice and then to speculate about how these assumptions and feelings affect practice. (Kottkamp, 1990; Osterman, 1990; Peters, 1991)

The Purpose of Reflection Reflection leads to… Greater self-awareness Greater self-awareness The development of new knowledge about professional practice The development of new knowledge about professional practice A broader understanding of the problems that confront practitioners A broader understanding of the problems that confront practitioners (Peters, 1991; Rose, 1992)

Strategies for Reflective Practice Questioning what, why, and how you do things and asking what, why, and how others do things Questioning what, why, and how you do things and asking what, why, and how others do things Seeking alternatives Seeking alternatives Keeping an open mind Keeping an open mind Comparing and contrasting Comparing and contrasting Seeking the framework, theoretical basis, and/or underlying rationale Seeking the framework, theoretical basis, and/or underlying rationale Viewing from various perspectives Viewing from various perspectives Asking, “What if…?” Asking, “What if…?” Asking for others’ ideas and viewpoints Asking for others’ ideas and viewpoints Using prescriptive models only when adapted to the situation Using prescriptive models only when adapted to the situation Considering consequences Considering consequences Hypothesizing Hypothesizing Synthesizing and testing Synthesizing and testing Seeking, identifying, and resolving problems Seeking, identifying, and resolving problems

Journaling Your journal can be: – verbal, written, or video recorded – casual or formal – sketchy (notes in your day planner) or comprehensive – daily, weekly, or as needed – public or private – personal, professional, or both Your journal … – echoes your reflective practice – provides documentation of progress on your objectives – records the patterns of your professional life – becomes a vehicle for appropriate emotional release – is an ever-ready “ear” – can offer health benefits, based on recent research, and – makes writing your two practicum reports easy!

Selecting a Mentor The role of your mentor includes: – Reviewing your IPDP and understanding your goals – Suggesting strategies for success – Introducing you to people and resources you need – Giving honest and frequent praise and advice – Providing opportunities for professional growth – Being a confidential and accessible ear for problems – Removing obstacles to your success, when possible The importance of mentoring in developing post-secondary institution leaders cannot be underestimated. Mentoring provides continuity, a linking of one professional generation to the next, and support for the developing professional.

The 16 Laws of Mentoring 1. 1.The Law of Positive Environment 2. 2.The Law of Developing Character 3. 3.The Law of Independence 4. 4.The Law of Limited Responsibility 5. 5.The Law of Shared Mistakes 6. 6.The Law of Planned Objectives 7. 7.The Law of Inspection 8. 8.The Law of Tough Love 9. 9.The Law of Small Successes The Law of Direction The Laws of Risk The Law of Mutual Protection The Law of Communication The Law of Extended Commitment The Law of Life Transition The Law of Fun

Clarifying Expectations As the mentee, take a few minutes to answer the following: What do I expect from this relationship? What do I think my mentor’s expectations are for this relationship? Address the following: - Role expectations and objectives - Method and frequency of communication - Availability and meeting schedule - Your Individual Professional Development Plan

Selecting a Program “Buddy” Identify a Program participant who would like to form a supportive relationship with you during the Practicum experience Identify a Program participant who would like to form a supportive relationship with you during the Practicum experience As “Buddies,” you will have an appreciation and understanding of the events and activities that each of you are going through during the Practicum experience As “Buddies,” you will have an appreciation and understanding of the events and activities that each of you are going through during the Practicum experience Don’t be afraid to call, , or write to your “Buddy” on an as-needed basis for support and for someone with whom you can share ideas and frustrations Don’t be afraid to call, , or write to your “Buddy” on an as-needed basis for support and for someone with whom you can share ideas and frustrations

Reflection Reports The primary purpose of each report is to reflect on your progress toward your IPDP objectives The primary purpose of each report is to reflect on your progress toward your IPDP objectives The reports’ secondary purpose is to reflect on the experience itself, your roles and responsibilities, insights into leadership, and your overall performance during the practicum The reports’ secondary purpose is to reflect on the experience itself, your roles and responsibilities, insights into leadership, and your overall performance during the practicum Your report can be as individual as you are! Your report can be as individual as you are! The reports should be ed to both of your facilitators and to the Academy at The reports should be ed to both of your facilitators and to the Academy at Approximately halfway through the practicum, and at the end of the practicum, you will submit a program reflection report.

Program Completion To qualify for the Certificate of Completion, you must: – Attend all training sessions. – Write and implement an Individual Professional Development Plan. – Work with a mentor during the practicum to accomplish your objectives. – Submit a Mid-Year Reflection Report and a Final Reflection Report to the Academy, demonstrating substantial progress on your objectives. Please adhere to the deadlines, particularly for the final report, so that the appropriate certificate may be ordered for you.