Units
Professional Practice
Unit code: INN632-5
Contact hours:
Credit points: 2
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit has been developed as an overarching unit in the IT70 Master of Information Management program, to establish meaningful links between the various units of study and to introduce you to contemporary professional practice in information agencies. The unit focuses on your own personal and professional development, enabling you to participate in industry seminars, fieldtrips, work placements and career mentoring. The development of your understanding of reflective practice will help you build your own Student ePortfolio to document your insights into and your experiences in the information profession. The unit is structured as a sequence of six modules, completed as you progress through the course.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2012 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2012 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The Library and Information Science major of the IT43 Master of Information Technology program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to find employment in a broad spectrum of information work, for example within corporate and government information management contexts, as well as in public, academic and special libraries. Graduates play an increasing role in understanding and managing the complexities of information impacting on society as a whole. In the 21st century, employers seek graduates who have the ability to demonstrate employment-related skills as well as disciplinary expertise. Learning about the diverse aspects of professional practice is a critical dimension of career planning, directly supporting students in their choice of employment and in their successful transition into the workplace.
Aims
This unit has been developed as an overarching unit in the IT43 Master of Information Technology (Library and Information Science) program, to establish meaningful links between the various units of study and to introduce you to contemporary professional practice in information agencies. The unit focuses on your own personal and professional development, enabling you to participate in industry seminars, fieldtrips, work placements and career mentoring. The development of your understanding of reflective practice will help you build your own Student ePortfolio to document your insights into and your experiences in the information profession. The unit is structured as a sequence of six modules, completed as you progress through the course.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change
Content
This unit offers opportunities for you to examine many of the issues that have an impact upon professionals working in information agencies. The unit aims to provide a conceptual thread across the whole program of study, with most activities taking place outside the formal classroom, for example through workshops, industry seminars, fieldtrips and professional meetings. You will have the opportunity to participate in the QUT Career Mentoring program. Recruitment and employment practices will be discussed, together with the importance of career planning and professional development. During your course, you will be required to complete a range of fieldwork activities (100 hours total). You will learn how to create your own professional ePortfolio to support the development of your knowledge and skills and your understanding of professional practice.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
INN632 Professional Practice is a 12 credit point unit that comprises six sub-units: INN632-1, INN632-2, INN632-3, INN632-4, INN632-5 and INN632-6, each with the value of 2 credit points. The unit is offered in a blended or multi-modal delivery mode. The unit can be undertaken internally, externally or a combination of both. You are encouraged to move between the different modes of delivery throughout the semester. The QUT Student ePortfolio forms the basis for the unit. It is developed progressively over the duration of your program of study, with the final grade (Pass/Fail) awarded only at the completion of the final sub-unit INN632-6. The unit's teaching and learning strategies are designed to develop both the theoretical understanding and practical skills required for professional practice in a contemporary information agency. A wide range of collaborative and independent learning strategies are utilised, with forums that enable students to work with industry practitioners to explore current professional issues and trends in diverse organisations. You are expected to attend a number of external professional development sessions and events. Through fieldwork activities you will have the opportunity for meaningful workplace learning. Reflective practice is a key element of the unit, as you are required to reflect on your own knowledge, skills and abilities gained throughout your course of study, documented in an evolving professional ePortfolio. The Blackboard site is the primary tool used for information exchange and communication. Unit material and readings provide concepts and stimulate your thinking concerning principles, the philosophy and the theoretical insights into professional practice. You are expected to engage in the learning experience by participating in all classes and learning activities, and by undertaking a wide variety of reading.
Assessment
At the end of the semester, you will release a view of your Student ePortfolio to the teaching staff to receive formative feedback on your progress: details will be discussed during the classes. You are expected to work on your ePortfolio independently, but you will also have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with your fellow students, your employer or mentor, and the teaching staff.You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
The ePortfolio will be graded Pass/Fail.
Assessment name:
Reflective Journal
Description:
Formative and summative assessment developing a beginner's portfolio to support entry into the profession. (PASS/FAIL). due in Week 13 of the final semester, with formative feedback provided at the end of each semester of enrolment in the sub-units of INN632.
Relates to objectives:
Relates to learning outcomes:All
Weight:
100%
Internal or external:
External
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
13 of final semester
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.
Resource materials
There is no required textbook for the unit. You will be expected to read widely as part of your studies in the unit. Recent articles of interest to the subject will be highlighted during the course of your study. The following resources may be of assistance to your study in the unit:
Recommended Readings
Bolton, G. (2001). Reflective practice: writing and professional development. London: Sage.
Brine, A (2004). Continuing professional development: a guide for information professionals. Oxford: Chandos.
Dority, G. K. (2006). Rethinking information work: a career guide for librarians and other information professionals. Westport, CN: Libraries Unlimited.
Pantry, S. & Griffiths, P. (2003). Your essential guide to career success. London: Facet.
Raddon, R. (Ed.) (2005). Your career, your life. Career management for the information professional. Aldershot, Hants: Ashgate.
Schon, D.A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: how professionals think in action. New York: Basic Books.
Risk assessment statement
You will submit your written assessments through the units Blackboard site - details will be announced during the lectures. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 08-Apr-2011
