Professional Practice 1 (PP1)

This course focuses on developing practice competence in a supported setting. Participants will relate their academic studies to the practice context where they will undertake professional tasks in a controlled and developmental way. The emphasis is on understanding processes of informal learning and development on the basis of first-hand observation and interaction. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with informal educational methods and to explore the idea of reflective practice during the 8 week block placement.

The course is in the second year and has a rating of 20 credit points. The placement element is in the April to May period.

By the end of the placement students will be able to:

Prepare learning objectives for the placement period
Manage their time more effectively
Set appropriate work related goals and develop action plans
Demonstrate learning from reflecting on their practice
Develop a profile of the community based on research techniques
Profile the placement agency and comment on its connection to the community profile

Vernon Galloway is the Course Organiser for Professional Practice 1 (PP1)

Vernon says:

"Students are often nervous about going out on placement but the preparation sessions are very thorough. Once on placement, you get to work with an experienced supervisor who will help you through the various tasks in your workbook. The placement is a very positive experience and provides a great opportunity to observe professional practice at first hand."

You can find out more about Vernon's work and publications at the departmental webpage.

Learning and Teaching Strategies

Preparatory workshops weekly during semester 2. Students will undertake at least two full days in their agreed placement setting during that period. The 8 week block placement will take take place during the assessment period following Semester 2

Assessment

Assessment of the placement practice is carried out by the fieldwork supervisor, on a pass or fail basis, based on evidence of competence against explicit performance criteria.
Students will also complete a series of workbook tasks which relate directly to each of the learning outcomes listed above, and a 2000 word essay reflecting on their learning across the programme as a whole (3000-3500 words total).

CUE has been developed at the University of Edinburgh by John Bamber and Clara O'Shea as part of the Student Recruitment and Admissions 'Transitions' Project in 2006/7. For further information on CUE and on CUE: Community Education contact: John Bamber, Department of HIgher and Community Education, Moray House School of Education, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ, Tel.: +44 - (0)131 - 651 6116, E-mail: john.bamber@ed.ac.uk

Website updated: June 19, 2008