Seminar Instructors

Every student in a practicum has a Faculty Seminar Instructor from the college. This person provides academic supervision during the student’s weekly seminar class. They integrate theory into clinical practice by leading the class in applying concepts and skills learned in specific agency situations.

The Mohawk College Social Service Worker program prides itself on the support it offers regarding their student practicums. We recognize the importance of a practicum and the many different issues that can surface when students are in the field.

The Seminar Instructor Will:

 Facilitate a weekly seminar class to enhance the students’ learning in the practicum. Attendance is mandatory for all students (see ‘Seminar’ under Supports for more information).

1. Inform students how best to contact them and to make themselves available during normal practicum hours (i.e. by email and/or phone).
2. Ensure that all documentation pertaining to the practicum is completed and returned to the Field Placement Coordinator or Field Placement Specialist.
3. Provide additional support as needed for both student and supervisor. This support may take the form of phone calls or email but may also include visits to the agency.
4. Discuss with students the policies and procedures of Mohawk College that pertain to Practicums and ensure that these are followed. The Seminar Instructor will put students on a Success Contract if they are not adhering to polices and/or procedures and forward a copy of this contract to the Field Placement Coordinator or Field Placement Specialist.
5. Assign the final mark to the student based on work done in the seminar.
6. Ensure that students, in conjunction with their supervisors, have completed an appropriate Field Placement Goal Plan to direct their learning.

SEMINAR

 To supplement the learning that students do in the field, every student meets in a small group weekly for one hour with their Seminar Instructor. This provides support and affirmation as well as challenging the student. Names and details of consumers are not used but rather specific details of what the student is learning/observing, and thinking are discussed.

The Field Placement Seminar is an essential component of the practicum experience. Faculty Seminar Instructors facilitate these groups and support students in their learning experiences. Students who miss more than two seminar class in each semester will meet with their Seminar Instructor and be put on a Success Contract. The Field Placement Co-Ordinator will receive a copy of this and the student may be required to withdraw from their practicum if more absences occur.

Students are expected to actively participate within the seminar group discussions.

Monthly learning reflections are to be recorded in keeping with confidentiality. Names and details of consumers are not to be used, but rather details of the student’s own learning are presented. The student is also asked to identify and reflect upon the most important learning experience of the day.