Practicum in Adult Education & Community Development (LHA1122H)
This practicum course provides students with the opportunity to put theoretical ideas into practice. Students will find their own placement and develop a project in consultation with their placement mentor and the course instructor. The practicum can be situated in settings such as public-sector organizations (e.g., universities or hospitals), community groups, social economy organizations, or the private sector.
Suitable projects include – but are not limited to – development of curriculum, programs or online resources; the organization and/or delivery of courses and workshops; and evaluation of teaching materials and programs. Weekly classes provide support, feedback, skills development and reflection.
Course Overview
Course code: LHA1122H (Pass/Fail)
Credit Value: 0.5 FCE
Instructor: Jennifer Sumner
Schedule: Winter Semester
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required.
Instructor Permission
Students who want to take this course should contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss ideas for the practicum.
Prospective students are responsible for:
- Finding their own placement site.
- Finding a field mentor/supervisor.
- Developing a project and learning goals.
- Detailing these in a short proposal, due no later than December 30.
After the course instructor receives the proposal, the student will be admitted to the course.
Developing the proposal (i.e., finding a practicum site, contacting potential mentors, etc.) will take time. Students are advised to set up their practicum well ahead of the proposal due date.
Course Components
1. Proposal
Students are required to develop a proposal for the practicum, prior to the beginning of classes, that includes:
- Selection of practicum site.
- Identification of field mentor/supervisor.
- Description of the project; learning goals for the practicum.
The proposal is due no later than December 30.
2. Weekly Classes
During the weekly classes students will reflect on their own learning, making use of an ongoing learning journal or other reflective tools. Students will take turns presenting on their field-based experience and learning, which will give them an opportunity to receive feedback and provide feedback to others. They will also engage in skills development.
3. Practicum Placement
Students will work at their practicum placement for 3-4 hours per week (36-50 hours in total). By the end of the placement, students will have completed their project. The field mentor will complete a brief evaluation of the student based on guidelines provided by the instructor.
4. Final Integrative Paper
In addition to the practicum project itself, students will submit a paper reflecting on their learning during the practicum with reference to the learning goals developed in the initial proposal. In the weekly seminars, students will also give two oral presentations about their placement.
