DSRS4120 Capstone for Professional DE Practice and Leadership

This capstone topic in the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education provides students the opportunity to bridge the gap between their undergraduate studies and professional future by critically reflecting on their development as a practitioner. Students will engage in a series of workshops and activities designed to hone their critical thinking, reflection and theoretically informed practice on a range of ethical, policy and practice issues core to developing a strong professional identity. This topic also gives students the opportunity to undertake in-depth study in an area of personal interest related to research, evaluation, quality management or development of an innovative resource relevant to Developmental Education. Students will develop an industry generated project plan and then work independently to complete the project in collaboration with agencies as clients. Students will present their project as a poster presentation in the final seminar to peers, agency representatives and academic staff.

This topic aims to examine and reflect on current Developmental Educator practice issues and competency standards; facilitate student's ability to develop and manage their own learning and transition to becoming and Developmental Educator; and integrate knowledge and skills gained in the degree as a whole by completing an industry generated project.

1. Identify and address issues and strategies in the transition from University student to practitioner including contemporary practice frameworks, person-centred practice, job seeking skills, professional identity, accountability, and professional development
2. Reflect on their educational experience, current competency levels and develop a plan to address future learning and competency needs
3. Work collaboratively with an agency as client to develop and enact a project brief
4. Present their work back to the DE community at a professional level commensurate with a beginning level therapist