SOAD3010 Social Planning Practicum

2014

4.5

3 x 1-day intensive workshops per semester

Successful completion of all 1st and 2nd year topics in the Bachelor of Social Planning.

Bachelor of Social Planning

Students will work within a strategic planning environment in State or Local Government or with a private planning consultancy or large non-government welfare organisation for 20 days across the Semester.

Through their practicum and related workshop-based reflections on professional practices, students will broaden their academic learning as they experience the hands-on aspects of planning. Students will work on a project, designed in conjunction with the university and host agency, that meets the needs of the agency and the student's learning needs.

This topic will further develop students' understanding of the links between theory and practice as they observe other professionals and work directly with those professionals on a 'live' project.

Students will also be presented with an office environment and they will have the opportunity to learn the office skills relevant to planning practice.

As planning requires public participation and consultation, students will also learn how to deal with the public in these areas, as well as learning meeting procedures, report writing and collaboration and team work with other professionals, which will include planners and others within the organisation. The workshop sessions will give students the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from each other, and to further enhance their critical understanding of planning practices and the importance of sound theoretical grounding for progressive and innovative planning.

On completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

• Apply their academic skills to the workplace
• Perform the basic office administration skills and reporting requirements of a planning organisation
• Deal effectively with the public
• Communicate verbally and in writing in a clear manner with the public and colleagues
• Work effectively and respectfully in a team beyond their student peers
• Demonstrate the capacity to work on and contribute to a 'live' project
• Work with a cross-disciplinary team
• Demonstrate critical reflection of their experience