Course Title: Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: EMPL5721C

Course Title: Reflect on and improve own professional practice

School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5247 - Diploma of Community Development

Course Contact : Mandy Morrison

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4065

Course Contact Email:mandy.morrison@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will explore the knowledge and skills required to evaluate own work, continuing self-development and effective supervision within an ethical code of practice.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Element:

1. Reflect on own practice

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Undertake self-evaluation in conjunction with supervisors and/or peers
1.2 Demonstrate understanding of own limitations in self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship management
1.3 Provide and receive open and evaluative feedback to and from co-workers
1.4 Actively seek feedback and accept it non-defensively
 

Element:

2. Ensure continuing self-support and supervision

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify a range of support networks both within and outside the organisation
2.2 Seek specialist advice/further training where need is identified
2.3 Observe agency guidelines in relation to professional development
2.4 Undertake an appraisal of current industry developments and apply these to improve practice
2.5 Regularly participate in a review mechanism as a commitment to upgrading skills and knowledge
2.6 Evaluate current and likely future needs and take action to keep abreast of evolving trends
 

Element:

3. Operate within an agreed code of ethics or practice

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Assess own practice against identified agency objectives or code of ethics, using a range of valid evidence
3.2 Recognise the effect of values, beliefs and behaviour in work with clients
3.3 Establish realistic goals and targets for self development
3.4 Adhere to legal parameters relevant to practitioner's profession where this is a requirement of employment
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

You will be involved in learning activities in 2 evening workshops. Activities will include group discussions and workshop activities based on unit content. You will also be required to undertake independent studies. Reflection on your own work context is a significant aspect of this course and you will be given opportunities to discuss and think about your own practice.


Teaching Schedule

There are 14 full day worksops + 13 evening class scheduled for this program
Workshop Title Date Course Content Course
 4 Enabling the community  March 10th During this evening class you will gain an overvew of reflective practice and an introduction to journalling and assessment requirements. CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice
24 Evaluating your community development work Sept 29th You will explore your own community develoment practice with an emphasis on self awareness and how this awareness relates to the development of meaningful, authentic relationships and effective communication styles. You will also identify your organisations code of practice, the systems available for support and establish your own goals for self development. CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References


Other Resources

Preparatory reading material and/or youtube recordings will be made available prior to workshops (where relevant). Where the teacher has used a powerpoint presentation during the workshop, these resources and other learning activities and handouts will be made available to enroled students post the workshop via electronic methods.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment  is ongoing throughout the course with final submission due during the last workshop in October. Assessment activities for this course require you to demonstrate your knowledge and application of skills in reflecting on your profesional practice and evaluating your own work. Assessments also seek to acknowedge your self development goals and verify your understanding of a Community Development organisations protocols and code of practice.


Assessment Tasks

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester on all assessment tasks. All assessments must be completed before competency can be achieved. You will be required to complete and submit 3 tasks to obtain competency in this course:

  • 2 reflective journal records responding to specific cue questions- submitted at 2 specified times during the year
  • A written report reflecting your self awareness - your strengths and limitations and how these relate to your work as a community development worker - submitted during final workshop
  • A third party testimonial - verification by a third party of specific activities undertaken whilst at the workplace


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant course. These are available from the Program Coordinator.

This program is delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, grades include:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for assessment

Other Information

Assessment Tasks Submission Cover Sheet
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all workshops in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your competency. Information regarding student feedback can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. The Student progress policy can be found at:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Information regarding application for special consideration can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity Web site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Course Overview: Access Course Overview