Students
SPED910 – Critical Reflection and Professional Experience in Sensory Disability
2018 – S2 Online
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor and lecturer
Alison Hawkins-Bond
Contact via (02) 98720321
Renwick Centre, RIDBC
8.30-4.30 Monday to Thursday
Kathleen Tait
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MDisabilityStud and 16cp from SPED units at 900 level and permission of the Professional Experience Coordinator
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with the opportunity to prepare for, and then undertake 16 days of professional experiences in practice, in management and evaluation. Central to this professional experience is a critical reflection model that guides and highlights the student’s awareness regarding the role that research plays in strengthening their professional skills and knowledge. Using critical reflection students will demonstrate professional practice that optimises outcomes for people with sensory disability.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
General Assessment Information
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| ePortfolio (Block 1) | 25% | Yes | on completion of Block 1 |
| ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL) | 25% | Yes | 11/11/2018 |
| Critical Reflection Essay | 50% | Yes | 11/11/2018 |
ePortfolio (Block 1)
Due: on completion of Block 1
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Professional Experience ePorfolio
This assessment must be completed and submitted for marking before commencing Block 2.
This assessment asks you to complete a series of practical experiences in the field of sensory impairment and submit a record of your observations and experiences.
Students who are teachers need to demonstrate skills in planning, implementing, managing and evaluating programs for people with a sensory disability.
Students who are Allied Health professionals need to demonstrate professional development in their identified focus areas through completion of a series of observations and reflection in the field of sensory disability.
Your assessment, where appropriate should be presented in the APA referencing style (both in the body of text and reference list). There is no set word count for this assessment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL)
Due: 11/11/2018
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Requirements are the same as Block 1 ePortfolio (details outlined in Professional Experience practicum/ practical Handbook available on iLearn).
This assessment must be completed and submitted for marking prior to submitting the Critical Reflection Essay.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
Critical Reflection Essay
Due: 11/11/2018
Weighting: 50%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
The essay of 1500 words is your opportunity to reflect on what you read as part of your literature review and your experiences during your two Professional Experience practicum/practical, and summarise your refined knowledge of your chosen focus areas in relation to improving the outcomes of people with a sensory impairment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
Delivery and Resources
This unit is delivered online and organised in external mode only, in a flexible delivery format. All learning materials will be available for download in the iLearn site. Students are required to frequently access the iLearn site, and to participate in online discussion forums. The unit convenor will moderate the online discussion as required.
Unit Schedule
The unit is divided into a series of topics; the materials are open for the entirety of the session:
- Completion of Critical Reflection Tool (prior to starting Professional Experience)
- Completion of Focus Area planning (prior to starting Prof Experience)
- Practical (teachers)/ Practicum (Allied Health professionals) in 2 blocks of 8 days
- Submission of block 1 ePortfolio and block 2/ FINAL ePortfolio
- Submission of Critical Reflection Essay
| Week | Week Begins | Activities and Assessments | Due Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Activity 1 Completion of Critical Reflection Tool Activity 2 Completion of Focus Area planning and proposed literature review/research |
Task 1 and 2 due midnight 5 August | |
| 2 | Ongoing Focus Area planning and reading of identified literature. Initial references to be submitted and added to throughout the Prof Exp. | ||
| 3 |
Assessment 1 Start Practicum or Practical Block 1
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The practicum/practical dates outlined here are only a guide to assist you in ensuring that you will finish by the end of Semester. | |
| 4 | Practicum/ Practical | ||
| 5 | Practicum/ Practical | ensure Block 1 dates have been authorised | |
| 6 | Practicum/ Practical submission of Block 1 ePorfolio |
midnight 9 September as a guide only BLOCK 1 MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR MARKING BEFORE STARTING BLOCK 2. |
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| 7 | Start Practicum/ Practical Block 2 | NOTE: Ensure 2 week gap between submission of Block 1 ePortfolio and starting of block 2, to allow sufficient time for marking and feedback. | |
| University Recess | starts Monday 17 September | ||
| University Recess | starts Monday 24 September | ||
| 8 | Practicum/ Practical | ensure Block 2 dates have been authorised | |
| 9 | Practicum/ Practical | ||
| 10 | Practicum/ Practical | ||
| 11 | Practicum/ Practical | ||
| 12 | Practicum/ Practical | ||
| 13 |
Assessment 1 Submission of Block 2/FINAL ePortfolio Assessment 2 Submission of Critical Reflection Essay |
As stated in the handbook all ePortfolios need to be completed and submitted for marking in week 13 of the Session in which you enroll in the course. Final date for submission is midnight 11 November. |
Learning and Teaching Activities
Initial Critical Reflection on Professional Competencies tool
Focus Areas and literature review
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
Assessment tasks
- ePortfolio (Block 1)
- ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL)
- Critical Reflection Essay
Learning and teaching activities
- A self evaluation of current professional skills prior to commencing the Professional Experience practicum/ practical.
- Complete a literature review of chosen Focus Areas for Professional Experience practicum/practical based on areas for improvement, identified in self evaluation tool.
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
Assessment tasks
- ePortfolio (Block 1)
- ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL)
- Critical Reflection Essay
Learning and teaching activities
- A self evaluation of current professional skills prior to commencing the Professional Experience practicum/ practical.
- Complete a literature review of chosen Focus Areas for Professional Experience practicum/practical based on areas for improvement, identified in self evaluation tool.
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
Assessment tasks
- ePortfolio (Block 1)
- ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL)
- Critical Reflection Essay
Learning and teaching activities
- A self evaluation of current professional skills prior to commencing the Professional Experience practicum/ practical.
- Complete a literature review of chosen Focus Areas for Professional Experience practicum/practical based on areas for improvement, identified in self evaluation tool.
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
Assessment tasks
- ePortfolio (Block 1)
- ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL)
- Critical Reflection Essay
Learning and teaching activities
- Complete a literature review of chosen Focus Areas for Professional Experience practicum/practical based on areas for improvement, identified in self evaluation tool.
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Ensure improved outcomes for clients with sensory disability, by demonstrating advanced knowledge and professional practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
Assessment tasks
- ePortfolio (Block 1)
- ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL)
Learning and teaching activities
- Complete a literature review of chosen Focus Areas for Professional Experience practicum/practical based on areas for improvement, identified in self evaluation tool.
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research in the field of sensory disability
- Plan, analyse, present and implement complex activities in their field of practice
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary team collaboration to best support the needs of clients with sensory disability
- Critically evaluate own professional practice and implement change
Assessment tasks
- ePortfolio (Block 1)
- ePortfolio (Block 2/FINAL)
Learning and teaching activities
- Complete a literature review of chosen Focus Areas for Professional Experience practicum/practical based on areas for improvement, identified in self evaluation tool.
Fitness to Practice requirements
Please note that Unit SPED 910 has Fitness to Practice requirements that students must familiarise themselves with prior to completing their Professional Experience placements. Details are available on the Macquaire University website and any changes will also be available on the iLearn site.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 25/07/2018 | Final date of submission for all assessments in midnight 11th November |