PROFESSIONAL REFLECTIVE JOURNALS AND TIME LOGS Tools for

PROFESSIONAL REFLECTIVE JOURNALS AND TIME LOGS Tools for an Effective Field Placement

Field Requirements All students in field are required to complete: • Learning contracts • Journals • Time logs • Field Evaluation

Learning Contract 1. 2. 3. WHAT is to be learned? 4. 5. WHO/WHERE will you go/ask for help? HOW Will you learn this? What activities are required? WHEN Timelines? HOW do you prove that you have successfully achieved the objective?

Monitoring Process • Field Instructor is responsible for supervising students and using various “tools” to monitor and evaluate a student’s performance.

Common Evaluation Tools • • • Verbal reports Process recording File recording Video tapes Direct observation Co-facilitating One way mirrors Modeling Journalling Time logs

Professional Reflective Journalling • Journalling is a required tool that Field Instructors can review during supervision with the student. • Journalling gives Field Instructors and students an opportunity to – discuss issues in field; and – allows questions and concerns to be addressed during supervision.

What is a Professional Reflective Journal? Reflective journals describe: • daily experiences while in field placement • thoughts, feelings about the day/week • theories or concepts that have been applied • what learning has occurred • questions/concerns Journalling provides an opportunity to develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills

Professional Reflective Journalling Week of (Date) to Week of (Date) Journals are used to help you reflect on how you are growing as a professional and to identify areas of concern or issues that can be discussed with your field instructor during supervision. Student Reflection • What have I learned this week and what skills have I developed? • Did I consciously apply theory to practice? • What theories did I use? • What did I struggle with and how could I have improved? • What were my reactions / feelings / actions? • How can I improve and what resources do I have available to assist in developing my skills further?

Benefits of Keeping a Journal • Reminds students of questions which arise between supervision times • Keeps students focused on tasks that are tied to their learning contract goals • Encourages students to THINK THEORY and connect theory to practice • Provides insight regarding strengths and areas requiring development while in field placement • Helps to identify and address issues which may arise during placement.

Time Logs • Time logs are now required to be completed by the student and approved and signed off by the Field instructor. • Time logs are found on the Faculty of Social Work website – Field Education Program

Time Logs 1. 2. 3. 4. Time logs Keep track of hours 5. Remind students to reflect upon specific experiences in their journal Remind students to discuss issues/experiences during supervision Ensure that there is a process in place to track hours should a discrepancy occur Connect their learning to the evaluation process

Field Placement Time Log Field Student: ___________ Field Instructor: __________ Placement Site: ___________________________________ Time Period From: Date Time Spent Sept 4 -9/2012 Activities What did you do, who did you met with, training/conferences Relevance to Student Instructor Learning Initials Objectives Sept 4 3. 5 hr Introduction to Agency, met with field instructor, tour of agency, 1, 3, 4, 5, 10 1 hr Attended Inpatient Meeting During that meeting I was asked to assess a client and used the stages of change chart to identify where the client was regarding stage of change 1, 3 1 hr Attended group session for youth 5 I was an observer today however was asked to co facilitate the group therefore I will read information regarding facilitating youth groups and remind myself of small group process Contacted Field Instructor and left message on answering machine Sept 5 SICK

Time Logs • Provide accountability and act as a reference should issues or discrepancies arise; • Provide a written record should there be a change in supervisors and/or placement; and • Keep students on track regarding “time spent” on learning goals.

Time Logs and Journals are linked to the Competencies in Evaluation 1 2 3 4 5 Unsatisfactory Performance Marginal Or Inconsistent Performance Has Understanding Of And Is Beginning To Undertake Action Usually Consistent AND Reliable Performance, Beginning To Initiate Action Independently Exceptional Performance That Shows Consistent Initiative And Analytic Abilities MID TERM UNSATISFACTORY (FAIL) SATISFACTORY (PASS) PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES 2. EFFECTIVENESS WITHIN AGENCY AND COMMUNITY FINAL 2. 1 Understands the purpose, mandate, and function of the agency. (1) 2. 2 Is able to articulate the concerns of the client population serviced by the agency. (1)

Faculty Liaisons • Offer support to Instructors and students; • Maintain contact to support field-related learning; • Meet at pivotal points (e. g. , Learning Contract, mid-term and final evaluations); and • Offer support to Instructors as they review student performance, including completion of journals and time logs.

Concerns or Questions? • Students: communicate directly with your Field Instructor • Visit the Faculty of Social Work web site for more information and ideas • Consult your Field Liaison