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Common Management Issues

The practicum involves intensive and complex interpersonal and organisational activity. The importance of good relationships with host organisations cannot be stressed enough. University practicum managers and teachers are seen as the public face of the University, and therefore must be up-to-date with policy, procedures, teaching/learning methods and effective management practices in both the University and the host organisations.

They must be excellent communicators in order to facilitate smooth management of the practicum, setting up a rapport with the host organisations and students. Formal acknowledgement of the host organisations' contribution in providing authentic learning experiences is extremely important for collaborative supervision of the student and public relations, while good student-field educator relationships are essential to facilitate student learning.

Setting Up and Managing an Effective Practicum

Managing placements depends on a good knowledge of all the settings and people involved. The following list indicates the prerequisites for setting up effective placements:

The School

The School needs to find out:

• the quality of host organisations and supervisors available;
• the availability of host organisations;
• the availability of supervision.

The Supervisor

The supervisor must have the following attributes:

• an interest in supervising;
  
• previous supervision;
  
• an appropriate degree.

The Host Organisation

The host organisation must:

• demonstrate a strong educational commitment;
  
• provide challenging learning experiences to enable students to develop new skills or apply theoretical learning in authentic work situations - not 'busy work';
  
• provide supervision.

The Student

• transportation;
  
• where the student lives;
  
• financial needs;
  
• cultural needs;
  
• age;
  
• level of training;
  
• previous courses;
  
• educational needs;
  
• previous field placements;
  
• strengths, limitations and life experiences of the student;
  
• student preference for placement (Wilson 1981).

Environmental considerations

It is imperative to know the number of host organisations and supplemental opportunities available, and what kind of professional support they provide. The University needs to provide professional support also to ensure a practicum's success.

Organisational Responsibilities

Organisational responsibilities need to be clarified with all involved in managing the practicum. Responsibilities include:

• Finding and negotiating placements.
  
• Responding to inquiries from students and host organisations.
  
• Managing students and host organisations.
  
• Finding and establishing learning experiences.
  
• Carefully matching students and host organisation personnel.
  
• Formalising contracts.
  
• Troubleshooting - students who do not work under guidance; preventing/mending a breakdown in the placement when a student's behaviour poses an unacceptable risk to the clients or the host organisation.
  
• Considering the current economic environment when seeking placements.
  
• Acknowledging the value of Community Enterprise projects (Buckingham-Hatfield 1995: 144; Orrell, Cooper & Jones, n.d.).
  

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