Academic Programs - Field Education
BASW Field Learning Plan
During the early weeks of the Practicum Seminar and Lab I and II classes, the classroom instructor discusses the Field Learning Plan with students. Students and field instructors complete the document and students return it to their class instructor.
The BASW Field Learning Plan is for the undergraduate student in social work. The focus of this plan is to provide students with a generalist practice experience. The BASW student engages in "generalist" practice in field placement. We define GENERALIST PRACTICE as being grounded in the liberal arts and the person and environment construct. To promote human and social well-being, generalist practitioners use a range of prevention and intervention methods in their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The generalist practitioner identifies with the social work profession and applies ethical principles and critical thinking in practice. Generalist practitioners incorporate diversity in their practice and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. They recognize, support, and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings. They engage in research-informed practice and are proactive in responding to the impact of context of professional practice.
The plan outlines learning objectives, learning tasks and practice behaviors that address the CSWE competencies that are used to teach generalist practice. These learning objectives and competencies are evaluated separately at the end of each term. First semester BASW field learning objectives are outlined in the BASW First Semester Field Learning Plan/Timesheet Form. Second Semester BASW learning objectives are outlined in the BASW Second Semester Field Learning Plan/Timesheet Form.
By midterm of the first semester, the student is expected to be sufficiently oriented to the agency or organization to have begun contact with clients and/or consumers. Utilization of the skills and classroom knowledge should be evidenced. The second semester should reflect increasing proficiency in skills, both professional and work management as well as in-depth understanding of the nature of the agency or organization's services and the special population(s) served. Practicum Lab Instructors review the Field Learning Plan and use it as a basis for discussion during their visit to the field placement.