Observational Practice Learning Gives you opportunity to integrate teaching and apply it to Service Users World!

So far the teaching has enabled you to consider these abstract concepts!

How Adults Learn

Thus the programme has specific Practice Learning Requirements Students must spend 200 days in practice learning All practice dates are fixed and co-ordinated by teaching staff Years 1 & 2 are short observational learning in a range of care settings and linked to academic assignments. Years 3 & 4 are longer assessed learning.

Year 1 Practice Learning Dates A two week block from Monday 20 th to Friday the 31 st of January. You will be set tasks to enable you to consolidate the teaching on this module and prepare for trimester two teaching 10 days must be competed in year 1 You cannot progress with out completion of practice learning - thus missed days must be made up A practice learning day normally consists of 9am - 5pm

So -What is Observational Practice Learning ? Why do you think we have observational placements on a social work course? Identify how and what you learn from observing others? Define active observational learning?

Why do we have it on the programme? To merge theory and practice To integrate and consolidate classroom learning To help contextualise the helping relationship, values, skills and service provisions To provide opportunity to gather and use real material.

It is not just about watching ! It is about being involved with others. We learn from observing and being involved.

Observational Learning is Learning through being active Learning with real people. Taking responsibility for your own learning. Students will inducted into the agency and will get involved in meetings, day to day tasks and interact with service users, as appropriate to student role.

Activities which students should NOT be involved in Moving and handling – students are neither trained nor insured for this. Personal Care – students can assist staff as long as does not involve moving & handling & service user has consented. Restraint procedures & mealtime assistance for those with eating/swallowing difficulties is not appropriate. Students should not work unsupervised with service users especially those who present risk. Mentors have been trained and will consider any risk issues prior to involving the student in activities.

Use the time to reflect ! Open your eyes and look! Examine yourself use of self and your values Use the module information and timetable as a guide to seek out information for your assignment and presentation. Use the practice learning handbook material Use the articles and reading you have had Take time to gather information directly from staff and most importantly from service users! The service users will be your biggest source of learning don't miss the opportunity.

The Student experience Year 4 student’s experience of observational practice learning And helpful suggestions to consider

Module Assignments Understanding Poverty, Inequality, and Discrimination module The Library Research The Excel worksheet Assignment 1 – Poverty Essay Assignment 2 Group Presentation

Feedback We are going get information about you! It’s gathered from agency staff and the service users About how you are with them Your approach and your skills Your attendance and attitude This will be used by us to examine your fitness to practice and for you to use in your personal learning plan It will happen all the way through the course!

Practical Information Placement details – what is your responsibility PVG- contact with agencies if required Contact your mentor READ the Handbooks Look up web for placements seek out information Claiming Travel Support re any issues in placement.

Any Questions ? Enjoy !