GWL247 - Integrative Field Work Seminar

Subject Title
Integrative Field Work Seminar

Subject Description
This subject integrates the student?s remote field work experience with their academic studies.  The class consists of; online small-group discussions of issues that arise in placement, the development of professional interactions, exploration of the practical field of eldercare, and reflective journaling exercises for the purpose of integrating field experiences with classroom material.  Connecting Seneca?s core literacy skills with the MTCU SSWG Vocational Standards, Seneca Student Code of Conduct, first and second semester course work, and OCSWSSW Code of Ethics is a critical learning process in this course.  Contemporary issues in the field of aging will also be discussed as they apply to the student?s first placement in the field of aging.  There is a mandatory universal precautions component to address pandemic risks which are higher in this field and debrief about aging vulnerable populations isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Emphasis is on developing self-reflective practitioner skills within an inclusive, anti-oppressive framework. Finally, professional skills and comport will be developed and monitored through online weekly debriefing sessions and performance in the field.  Please note that confidentiality is of the greatest importance therefore, please do not use any names from placement and try to change any identifying features of the client or staff issues you are discussing if you are to raise questions about individual issues in class. This includes written, verbal, and or electronic forms of communication.

This class is run synchronously and attendance is mandatory with weekly graded blogs due at the end of each group debriefing session.

Credit Status
One Credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Integrate aging and helping profession theoretical perspectives that are inclusive within an anti-oppressive and inclusive framework applied to field experience while working in the field (remotely) through self-reflective writing journals and weekly online small group debriefings;
2. Identify common issues that affect older adults by applying concurrent knowledge about aging to field practice through small group discussion blogs and a group case study.
3. Develop rudimentary self-reflection skills through the use of self-analytical writing in structured monthly journals that draw from course work, the MTCU SSWG VLOs, and the OCSWSSW Code of Ethics as they apply to the student's remote placement experiences.
4. Initiate independent, adult learning practices by identifying their needs and learning strategies and taking initiative to meet personal learning needs in the field and seminar through the development of an individualized learning contract and it's validation at the end of the semester;
5. Establish professional boundaries within the OCSWSSW (SSW) profession's scope of practice through professional progressive midterm and final performance evaluations, supervision, receptivity to constructive feedback by staff, instructors, faculty and peers.
6. Apply critical thinking and constructive problem-solving skills to professional issues in a team or group setting by actively participating in seminar peer group activities like case studies, debriefings, and by building positive relationships with clients, families, staff, and volunteers in the field.
7. Work effectively with a diverse population of older adults and their care-ally's. This includes but, is not limited to; culture, religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identification, socio-economic status, different levels of cognitive and physical abilities, creed, etc. in an inclusive, anti-oppressive framework. Multiple relevant legislation will be applied PHIPA and AODA legislation, the newest COVID-19/pandemic legislation affecting older adults, the MTCU SSWG Vocational Standards, The Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) Standards and Practice Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the Community Services & SWSSW Acts.
8. Link their remote placement experience with the current MTCU's SSWG vocational standards, OCSWSSW Code of Ethics, Seneca's Student Code of Conduct, PHIPA & AODA legislation, the newest legislation related to older adults such as COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, safety protocols, relevant resources and services, and cumulative course knowledge in both oral and written formats e.g. tests, quizzes, and proofs of the SSWG MTCU VLOs.
9. Apply basic universal precaution practices that are mandated in the field of geriatrics, following pandemic policies and protocols by evaluating for risk in the environment and providing evidence through proofs projects and mandatory training modules from GWL257.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.