Course Title: Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

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

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:

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

Element:

2. Enhance own practice

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

 

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 learning activities will be supported and complimented by RMIT’s online learning management tool Canvas.  Other essential learning activities take place during the workshops, and you will also be required to undertake independent studies.  Some learning activities that you will undertake in the workshops are:

  • Class discussion
  • Documentary viewing and discussion
  • Guest speaker
  • Group work projects
  • Questioning


Teaching Schedule

Class

Teacher

Topic

Content

Elements of Competency

Resources

Assessment Due Dates

 

 

SEMESTER ONE

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

 

 

Introduction

Blackboard

Getting to know what is required academically.

RMIT services. Campus tour

Library services

Study and learning centre

Well Being/Self Care

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

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

 

 

4

 

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,

 

 

5

 

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.

 

 

6

 

 

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

Work Integrated Learning (W.I.L.)

Explore work placement options

 

 

 

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.

7

 

 

Work integrated Learning continued (W.I.L)

Networks

Youth Journals

Academic studies in Youth and Community

 

 

Hurdle task: Individual and group work

Professional development/Critical analysis

8

 

 

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

9

 

 

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

 

Hurdle task: Individual and group work

Professional development/Critical analysis


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Learning resources

 

You will be provided with the resources and tools for learning in this course.  These resources will also be provided in Canvas.  They include recommended texts, relevant learning materials from subject experts and websites, DVD’s, class notes, case studies.


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 TASKS

TASK 1: Career Planning in the Youth Sector: Research report

TASK 2: Develop six goals for your personal and professional development

TASK 3: Reflective practice- written response to a youth work text 

Task 4: Reflective discussion boards - written response to current issues in the youth work sector

 

You should refer to the assessment plan which is available on Canvas 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 Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services

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: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams

 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1:

Task: Research report (600-800 words)

Instructions:

As 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.

Include the following in your report:

  1. Indicate the area/s of the community service/youth sector that you are currently most interested in and give a brief comment about why you are interested.
  2. Identify at least 3 different types of professional development/training/networks activities that would enhance your career goal. Examples of professional development activities include conferences, training, joining professional networks, etc.

Assessment Task 2

Task: Write six SMART goals which will positively impact your professional and personal journey.

Word count 600-1000 words total.

Instructions:

Consider your professional and personal journey over the academic year and beyond.

Develop SMART goals which will positively impact your professional and personal journey.

Consider the following factors:

  • Study, both now and into the future
  • Employment
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Family and personal relationships
  • Professional relationships
  • Professional development
  • Future career planning
  • Other professional and personal considerations

Your goals should follow the template:

(I or accountable party)   will   (action word/s)  to achieve  (object of the goal)   by   (time)  for the purpose of   (relevance/results). Under your statement include more details discussing your goal with the following points in mind.

Assessment Task 3

Task: Research report (600-800 words) 

Instructions:You are required to access the library and search for one (1) article related to a contemporary/professional issue in the youth sector. Once you have found your article you need to write a report using evaluation and reflective methods to demonstrate your broad understanding of the issues.

The report needs to include the following criteria:

  • Author/s
  • Title/ Journal/ Publisher
  • Subject including a brief summary of the main points of the article
  • Argument and evidence to support
  • Your own reflection on article’s main points/position
  • RMIT referencing guide to be used

You will have the opportunity to practice this in class activities prior to submission.

Assessment Task 4

Task: Journal writing – 12 reflections

Instructions:

During the year students will be encouraged to reflect and improve on their work practices. This activity will be reinforced through the development of a reflective journal.

Students will be required to write up a minimum of 12 reflections during the course of the program.

You will have the opportunity to practice this in class activities prior to submission.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

 Work placement

The certificate IV in Youth Work requires  80 hours of work placement in a youth work organisation, supported by RMIT.  

Police Check
You must obtain evidence of a satisfactory National Police Records Check before undertaking work placements and will need to pay the associated costs.
or
You may be required to obtain a satisfactory National Police Records Check at the request of their placement agency.

Working with Children
You must provide evidence of a satisfactory Working with Children check before undertaking work placements and will need to pay the associated costs.
or
You may be required to obtain a satisfactory Working with Children Check at the request of their placement agency.

Immunisation
You may be required to provide evidence of immunisation for certain diseases before undertaking work placement. You will need to discuss the specific requirements of your placement with the course coordinator and/or WIL practitioner and will need to pay the associated costs for immunisation.

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 work submitted in hardcopy. For every piece of work submitted online you will complete an e-Declaration. The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

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 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

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
1. a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
2. b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
3. c) You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/appeals


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 – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations –

Course Overview: Access Course Overview