Field Learning Program: A Skill & Knowledge Practice-based Lab for

Social Work Students

Cambodia, July 21, 2015

Presented by:

NHIM Saveun, MSW

Field Learning Program Director

BACKGROUND OF SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT AT ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF PHNOM PENH

Approved by Ministry of Education in 2008

Four-year degree program (BA)

Collaboration with University of Washington

Approximately 20+ students enrolled annually

12 instructors, 2 program managers for field

learning

"TELL ME, I'LL FORGET. SHOW ME, I'LL REMEMBER, INVOLVE ME, I'LL UNDERSTAND"

Chinese proverb…

FIELD LEARNING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Orient students to context, issues and

practice within organizational setting

Integrates theory and practice

Provide opportunities for students to

demonstrate necessary skills,

knowledge and values to be a social

work practitioner

Model of Field Learning Program

Y2Community

Service Learning - CSL

Y3Practicum

Y4Block

Placement

Field Placement

90 hours

345 hours

385 hours

Actors of Field Learning Program

DSWK/S/A

DSW/FLP

Students

Partners

Student learning PlanRegular check-inClass reflectionUpdate information

Partner OrientationStudent learning PlanRegular check-inProgress reportProgram evaluation

Student learning PlanSupervision supportMonitor & follow upCreate learning opportunities

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?Criteria:

Provides social or human service/social

work/focus on social welfare

Fully aware, supportive from Director or

person in charge to supervisor

Able to provide learning opportunities

Commitment to student learning

Able to assign specific supervisor for student

How to integrate classroom learning & field placement

With students:

Learning Plan

Student Reflection (written & verbal)

Student Presentations

Quizzes, assignments, role play and

exams

How to integrate (Cont…)

With partners:

Student Learning Plan

Partner orientations

Supervision Meetings

Coffee Break Meetings

Partner Evaluation on student

performance

Other Strategies to Integrate Class to Field Engage all course instructors in development of

learning plan

Involve instructors in partner orientation –

demonstrating how certain knowledge and skills

should be applied at placements.

Keep all instructors informed what going on at

the field placements during monthly faculty

meeting

Include instructors to attend the student

reflection sessions

CHALLENGES

SW is misunderstood

Direct micro practice and/or counseling, and even as

charity

Limited SW qualified field supervisors

Misinterpret term “supervision”

Placement is limited to only Phnom Penh (city) area

Placement is limited to only NGOs

CHALLENGES

More direct practice NGOs available than messo/macro

practice NGOs

Faith based organization and orphanage centers

Limits to student learning at macro level

Government institution

Political view to human rights/advocacy organizations

Limited human resources in field program, while the

numbers of student are increasing

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING“My perspective has been changed toward certain group of clients after having been involved and worked with them through field learning program. I feel confident of working with target group.”

FACILITATING SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

“My perspective has been changed toward certain group of clients after having been involved and worked with them through field learning program. I feel confident of working with target group.”

“What has changed me the most is how to behave/act professionally. I never thought that I would get respect or value when I behave like this (professionally)”

“Through field learning program, it allows me the opportunity to utilize my knowledge and skills within an organizational setting which is critical for social work students”

“I used to be a lazy person, doing homework or assignments on the last day of the deadline. But when I have seen the busy tasks/schedule from my own placement, it has changed my commitment – work hard to complete tasks and don’t put it until deadline.”

“Through field learning program, it allows me the opportunity to utilize my knowledge and skills within an organizational setting which is critical for social work students”

WHAT PARTNERS ARE SAYING

• "It is really beneficial for me to attend field partner orientation because I can understand social work concept, especially field learning program. I also know the student and this program expectations, so that I can prepare a good placement for a student".

------ One of Y2 partners

• "I believe that social work students will not only become professional social workers but also have a good opportunity for job market because they have crossed different structure of placement; starting from y2 and build on their hand on experiences from year to year". 

----- One of Y3 partners

• "I think field learning program of social work department is really different from other programs or other institutions because this program not only just send students to agency partners for placement but also follow up through phone check in, email, especially through supervision visit. All these things are really useful for students to success in their practicum".

----- One of Y3 partners

• “I am so thankful to be involved with field learning program as student supervisor. It allows me the opportunity to use my knowledge and skills in supervising students; guiding and supporting them through one on one supervision meeting; while at the same time learning from them regarding the social work concept and definition from an academic standpoint".

----- One of Y4 partners

TOGETHER SOCIAL WORKERS ARE CREATING CHANGE!!!

HOW SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE MAKING CHANGES!!! Counsellors

Case Managers

Social Workers

Community Organizers

Child Protection Officers

Project Assistant

Youth Empowerment Assistant

Assistant to Executive Director

THANK YOU!!!