Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

As well as developing a sound knowledge base, students studying Educational and Developmental psychology need to develop the skills to apply this knowledge in a large range of settings. In Supervised Practicum 1, you will be given the opportunity to observe, participate in and critically evaluate a range of practice activities.

Aims

The aim of Practicum 1 is to provide you with a basic level of professional knowledge and skills in the practice of educational and developmental psychology and an awareness of ethical guidelines. You will also develop competence in psychometric testing and counselling skills through supervised practice at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, QUT Psychology and Counselling Clinic, 44 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove and will begin to develop a high standard of professional conduct through a range of short placements working alongside professionals working with children and adults.

Objectives

At the successful completion of this unit, you shouldl be able to:
1. articulate and demonstrate a basic level of knowledge of behavioural, developmental and intellectual assessments and interventions and use this knowledge to demonstrate skills in problem identification and hypothesis generation;
2. demonstrate high level skills in the collection of data including the use of micro counselling skills and rapport development; the conduct of semi-structured interviews and relevant history taking;
3. demonstrate a range of skills in relation to psychological testing, including the critical analysis and evaluation of tests within applied settings; the ability to administer a range of standardised instruments; and basic skills in interpretation of assessment results and report writing;
4. display an understanding of the process involved in designing, implementing and evaluating educational and developmental interventions;
5. show evidence of a developing practice framework; including basic knowledge of ethical, legal and professional codes and, procedures in psychological practice.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

Successful completion of this unit will enable you to meet the Psychology Board of Australia competencies in:

• knowledge of the discipline within an applied setting; (Objectives 1, 4, 6 & 7)


• application of psychological assessment procedures; (Objectives 2-6)


• intervention strategies with a range of clients; (Objectives 1 & 7)


• written and oral communication skills; (Objective 6) and,


• ethical, legal and professional matters. (Objective 8 & 9)

GRADUATE CAPABILITIES

Successful completion of this unit will contribute to your ability to:

• think analytically, critically and reflexively within an educational and developmental psychology context; (Objectives 2 & 4)


• apply theoretical knowledge and research findings to practical problems; (Objectives 2-5 & 7)


• relate data collection to assessment and intervention; (Objectives 1- 3, 6 &7)


• engage in reflective enquiry and independent thinking; (Objective 2, 4, & 8)


• engage in effective oral and written communications; (Objective 6) and,


• develop an awareness of personal and professional limitations. (Objectives 8 & 9)

Content

Supervised Practicum 1 consists of 250 hours (excluding supervision time) of psychological practice based at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, QUT Psychology and Counselling Clinic, 44 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove. You will also have the opportunity to observe and work alongside professionals in a range of settings with children and adults, to spend time undertaking various activities in schools, and to practice and develop your assessment and counselling skills. You will have the opportunity to provide support and intervention to a primary school student. The 250 hours of practice must include a minimum of 65 hours direct client contact. The minimum requirement for supervision for the Psychologists Board of Queensland is 25 hours (min 15 hours individual and max 10 hours group). The APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists further stipulate that there must be one hours supervision for each day of practice (of which 50% must be individual). It is essential that you allocate sufficient time for undertaking the supervised practicum (approximately two days per week). Specific details of Practicum 1 content are contained in the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) Handbook.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching will occur over 8 day long workshops. While the specific content and processes will be adapted to meet the needs of students, teaching and learning approaches will include presentations by the unit co-ordinator, guests and students, group discussions and feedback, observations, research, information sessions, seminars and demonstrations and the practicing of micro counselling and assessment skills.

Assessment

Assessment is due at the end of the practicum and will consist of formative and summative tasks. To undertake the practicum students will need to have probationary registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and be in possession of a current Blue Card that has been authorised with QUT.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Formative assessment is ongoing and is provided through regular contact with the supervisor at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, QUT Psychology and Counselling Clinic, 44 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove. The following will be included:

a. log book containing hours of psychological practice, professional development activities, client contact and supervision
b. involvement in group learning activities
c. practicing of micro counselling and assessment skills; and,
d. submission of a minimum of 8 entries from the Interns' reflective journal. Five of these must be sighted and signed by the individual supervisor and 3 by the Internship Director. These entries should demonstrate adequate self-reflection on the learning process and the development of a personal framework for practice and case presentations and discussions.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Students will be required to submit a portfolio containing the following:

• one observational recording


• copy of report to parents and teacher from intervention with primary school student


• a record of supervision sessions


• a record of professional development, practicum activities and hours


• a mid and end of practicum review


• the student's self-evaluation


• supervisor evaluations


• a record of sign-off on a minimum of 8 Reflective Journal entries.

All work submitted must be de-identified

The portfolio must be submitted within two weeks from Week 13 of the enrolled semester and will be assessed on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. You cannot commence your next supervised practicum until you have passed your folio and end of practicum review for the current placement.

Assessment name: Assignment 1 (Folio 1)
Description: N/A
Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Set text and resource materials will be detailed in the Week One document.

Risk assessment statement

When conducting case studies or assessments, you must obtain informed consent from your participants and, in the case of children, from their parents as well. It is a requirement that identifying details, such as names, are concealed in your folio or any assignments submitted for course work. You should consult with your supervisor or the course coordinator if ethical issues arise.

Blue Card Requirement - Before undertaking any practicum units involving contact with young children you will be required to hold a Blue Card issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. As soon as you enter your enrolment program for the course, you must submit your Blue Card application to the QUT Student Centre immediately.

If you do not apply for a Blue Card immediately upon enrolment in the course and allow sufficient time for the police check and issuing of the Card, you will be unable to participate in the required activities and may need to be withdrawn from the unit and incur both financial and academic penalty. It may take up to 12 weeks for the Commission to issue the Card. The application form and further details is available at http://www.studentservices.qut.edu.au/enrolling/enrolling/specific_requirements/blue_card.jsp

Registration with Psychologist's Board of Queensland
Registration with the Board is a mandatory requirement for this program. Students must maintain their registration while enrolled in any element of the Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) course, and must comply with all Guidelines set forth by the Board.

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: 31-Oct-2012