P a g e 1 MSW LEARNING CONTRACT WITH SAMPLE TEXT The following template may be used to construct a learning contract based on HPU s MSW program goals. For examples of expected competencies, please refer to the objectives for each year which are found at the beginning of this Handbook. The MSW Learning Contract is NOT expected to cover all material from the curriculum. Choose several activities that will form the focus of the semester s work generally not more than one or two per goal. For additional assistance please refer to the MSW Learning Contract with Sample Items, that follows this one. Goal 1: To prepare graduates who demonstrate competence in social work practice at an advanced level with client systems of all sizes. Sample Items: A. Student will be able to identify the steps of the generalist model on all case activities. Student will structure process recordings around generalist model. Class materials on generalist model, to update field instructor. Throughout semester. Process recordings will show stages of generalist model. B. Student will understand agency s evidence-based practice methods with clients. Attend Methods for Success orientation Orientation as offered by agency October 7 Certificate of attendance
P a g e 2 Your Item(s): Goal 2: To prepare graduates who can work effectively with diverse populations in multicultural settings. Student will gain competence in interviewing diverse clients. Student will be observed interviewing at least 3 individuals and 3 families from the chosen population, and will receive feedback from the field instructor about diversity elements. Individuals and families who agree that their interviews will be observed. (must sign agency waiver) Field instructor. Reserve Family Room A/B with one-way mirror in advance of sessions. By December 1 Field instructor notes.
P a g e 3 Your Item(s): Goal 3: To prepare graduates who understand the social contexts of social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, including the changing nature of those contexts, and who advocate for social and economic justice. Student can describe, from a social justice perspective, how proposed policies on homelessness affect agency clients. Student to research proposed policies via Internet (Bill Status Page) and newspaper. Computer access use computer room. Own copy of, newspaper. Review texts for material on social justice. Legislative session--hearings as scheduled Written testimony as submitted to the legislature does it include arguments related to social justice and student s report about testifying on bill?
P a g e 4 Your Item(s): Goal 4: To promote the values and ethics of professional social work in the program and in its graduates practice. Ethics will be discussed regularly in supervision. Student will raise at least one ethical issue/question in each supervisory session. Weekly supervision; agenda prepared by student. Ongoing Student s notes on supervision sessions. Your Items:
P a g e 5 Goal 5: To develop in graduates an appropriate foundation for and valuing of lifelong learning, leadership, and generation of knowledge. Student serves as agency representative at community task force. Attend meetings, bring back handouts, and keep agency director/supervisor informed about task force activities. Agency director/supervisor to contact task force chair for permission for student to attend. Student to obtain schedule of meetings. Ongoing Copies of notes provided to agency director/supervisor. Your Items:
P a g e 6 Signatures: Student: Date: Field Instructor: Date: Practicum Coordinator: Date: Log of significant changes: Change Date Initials (field instructor, student, practicum coordinator for major changes)