Learning Activities and Learning Contract and S.M.A.R.T Learning Activities 🌱

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Field Placement is your opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting, develop professional skills, and grow as a “professional in training.” To help you succeed, the AMHW program has defined Course Learning Outcomes for both AMHW-310 (Field Placement 1) and AMHW-410 (Field Placement 2).

The Learning Contract is your roadmap to achieving these outcomes. You are responsible for developing S.M.A.R.T learning activities, with guidance and feedback from your Agency Field Supervisor (AFS) and College Field Supervisor (CFS). The AFS plays a key role in ensuring your learning activities are achievable and meaningful within the agency context.

 Understanding Learning Goals vs. Learning Activities🎯

• Learning Goals are the “what” you need to learn. They provide a clear direction for your placement.

  • Example: Identify, understand, and explain agency policies, procedures, protocols, and expectations.

• Learning Activities are the “how” you will achieve each goal. There may be multiple activities for one goal. These activities should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (S.M.A.R.T).

Making Your Learning Activities S.M.A.R.T✅

Specific

• Clearly state what you want to learn and the activity you will complete.

• Example: Read the agency policy manual, participate in orientation, discuss policies with your AFS.

Measurable

• Include ways to track your progress and demonstrate achievement to yourself, your AFS, and CFS.

• Example: Complete a “Statement of Understanding” signed by both you and your AFS.

Achievable

• Break goals into actionable steps.

• Use action verbs and list the resources required.

• If resources are missing, plan how to obtain them.

• Example: Shadow intake sessions, practice client communication, and reflect in a journal.

Realistic

• Confirm that the activity can be accomplished at your placement.

• Identify potential obstacles and discuss with your AFS to ensure it’s achievable for a “professional in training.”

Timely

• Set target dates and a timeline for each activity.

• Example: Complete orientation by September 12, submit summary by September 13, and sign “Policy Statement of Understanding” by September 19.

Learning Contract Example📄

Tips for Developing Your Learning Activities💡

• Review the AMHW Course Learning Outcomes before creating your activities. Think about the active steps or responsibilities required to reach each outcome.

• Choose learning activities that are observable and measurable, as these are essential for evaluations.

• Ask yourself: “How will my AFS know I have achieved this goal?”

• Plan 2–3 learning activities per learning outcome to ensure you fully meet the objectives.

• Use your learning contract as a tool to build the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for a career in the addictions and mental health sector.

• Keep your contract dynamic: adjust activities as needed with guidance from your AFS and CFS.

Key Reminder🌟

Your Learning Contract is not just paperwork—it is your personalized roadmap to success in placement. Approach it with curiosity, initiative, and professionalism. Completing your S.M.A.R.T learning activities helps ensure that you meet the course outcomes and are fully prepared for a career in the field.

References: AMHW Course Learning Outcomes (Field Placement 1 & 2)

Please refer to Appendix B AMHW 310

Please refer to Appendix C AMHW 410