Course Title: Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: EMPL7098C

Course Title: Reflect on and improve own professional practice

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4352 - Certificate IV in Youth Work

Course Contact: Dianne Mackay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4454

Course Contact Email: dianne.mackay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Dianne Mackay

dianne.mackay@rmit.edu.au

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

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCPRP003 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 Reflect on and recognise the effect of values, beliefs and behaviour in practice

1.3 Share two-way, open and evaluative feedback with co-workers or peers
1.4 Actively seek and reflect on feedback from clients, organisations or other relevant sources

Element:

3. Facilitate ongoing professional development

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Access and review information on current and emerging industry developments and use these to improve practice

3.2 Assess and confirm own practice against ethical and legal requirements and opportunities

3.3 Identify and engage with opportunities to extend and expand own expertise
3.4 Regularly participate in review processes as a commitment to upgrading skills and knowledge

Element:

2. Enhance own practice

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Determine improvements needed based on own evaluation and feedback from others

2.2 Identify potential support networks both internal and external to the organisation

2.3 Seek specialist advice or further training where need is identified

2.4 Recognise requirements for self-care and identify requirements for additional support
2.5 Devise, document and implement a self development plan that sets realistic goals and targets


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

This course’s learning activities will be supported and complimented by RMIT’s on line learning management tool Blackboard.  Other essential learning activities take place during the workshops, and you will also be required to undertake independent studies.  Some learning activities that you may be required to undertake are:

  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures
  • responses to case studies
  • workplace simulations and role plays of youth work practice
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading material
  • workshops
  • design activities or projects
  • group projects
  • peer learning
  • guest lecture/presentation
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • research
  • independent project based work
  • group activities/projects
  • ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
  • practical placement


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

 

Class

Topic

Content

Elements of Competency

Assessment Due Dates

 

1

 

Introduction

Introduction to RMIT and the Youth Work program

Course overview

Assessment requirements

Work Integrated Learning requirements

Youth Work Staff

IT/ Email/ Technology requirements

 

 

 

 

2 & 3

 

 

Blackboard

Getting to know what is required academically.

RMIT services. Campus tour

Library services

Study and learning centre

Well Being/Self Care

 

 

 

 

4 & 5

Reflect on own practice

Self evaluation of current skills and knowledge.

Reflect on Values beliefs and behaviours.

Introduction to Career Planning- Youth and Community Sector

“Getting to know yourself” Activity

NEXT STEP program

1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4

 

6

Broader Service System

Exploring Youth Sector –Federal/State/ Local/ and NGO sectors.

Working in the youth sector (YACVIC)

Building the Scaffolding

Vulnerable Youth Framework

Disciplines – Child Protection/Juvenile Justice

3.1,3.2,

 

7

Political and policy context

Exploring Youth Sector –Federal/State/ Local/ and NGO sectors.

Building the Scaffolding

Vulnerable Youth Framework

Disciplines – Child Protection/Juvenile Justice/Mental Health

3.1,3.2.

TASK 1: Career Planning Youth Sector: Research report

This report is part of your own professional development and involve researching and responding to questions in relation to the youth sector.

8

 

Exploring Youth Sector –Federal/State/ Local/ and NGO

Work Integrated Learning (W.I.L.)

Explore work placement options

 

 

 

9

 

Work integrated Learning continued (W.I.L)

 

Hurdle task: Individual and group work

Professional development/Critical analysis

10

 

Networks

Youth Journals

Academic studies in Youth and Community

 

Hurdle task: Individual and group work

Professional development/Critical analysis

11

 

Professional development and critical analysis

Group work

Information sharing and personal reflections

Professional supervision as a reflection and learning tool.

2.1,2.2,2.3,2.4

3.1,3.2,3.3,3.4

Hurdle task: Individual and group work

Professional development/Critical analysis

      12

 

Employability Skills

Work readiness skills

Innovation Skills

Workplace futures

Where are the Jobs for the Future

Foundation for Young Australians Research

·         Future of work

·         How young people are faring

·         Renewing Australia’s Promise

 

2.1,2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5

 

13

 

 

Employability Skills

Work readiness skills

Innovation Skills

Workplace futures

Where are the Jobs for the Future

Foundation for Young Australians Research

·         Future of work

·         How young people are faring

·         Renewing Australia’s Promise

 

2.1,2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5

TASK 2: Reflective practice- critical thinking

 

You are required to access the library and search for one (1) article related to a contemporary /professional issue in the youth sector.

14

 

Goal Setting and Action Planning

Goal setting

Action Planning

CV development

 

 

15

 

Introduction to Task 3

Goal Setting and Action Planning

Goal setting

Action Planning

 

 

 

16

 

Catch up Classes on assessment for Semester 1

 

 

17

 

Review of knowledge and gaps.

Reflection on professional practice.

Introduction to Semester 2 and assessment Task 3

W.I.L. assessments

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

None


Other Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.


Overview of Assessment

This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment.

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher when you have completed the assessment tasks.

Assessment 1: Research Report

Assessment 2: Research Report

Assessment 3: Personal Development Plan, Goals, Actions and Resume

You should refer to the assessment plan which is available on Blackboard for details of each assessment task and for detailed assessment criteria.

Grades that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

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

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

 

A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online:http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca

 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: Research Report

Career Planning – Youth Sector
This report is part of your own professional development, choose the areas of this sector which are most meaningful for your career as a community services/youth worker. 

You will be required to write a report (600 - 800 words) identifying professional areas of interest.  This needs to include professional development/ training /networks activities that would enhance your career goals. 

Assessment 2: Research Report

Reflective practice – Professional Development/Critical Thinking

You will be required to write a report (600 - 800 words).  You are required to access the library and search for one (1) article related to a contemporary /professional issue in the youth sector.  

Assessment3: Personal Development Plan, Goals, Actions and CV

Prepare a personal development plan – the plan will identify yours goals and an action plan.

The final submission will require you to submit the templates relating to goals, actions and an up to date CV.

Assessment 4: reflective journal entries

Student will be write up a minimum of 12 reflections on their personal and professional development during the course of the program.

 

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students

 

Cover Sheet for Submissions
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 implications of plagiarism.

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

 

Applying for an Extension

Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.

 

Applying for Special Consideration

If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see:

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.

 

If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity

The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing

 

Plagiarism and Collusion

Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.

 

Examples of plagiarism include:

  • Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
  • Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
  • Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
  • Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
  • Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
  • Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
  • Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
  • Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.

 

For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy –  http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93

 

Plagiarism Software

The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

 

Complaints Procedure:

RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.

 

Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.

 

Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy

Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22

Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf



Course Overview: Access Course Overview