Practice Education for Social Work – Stage 1 and Stage 2

Practice Education Stage 1

This module prepares experienced, registered social workers for the practice educator role. It shows that you meet professional education standards and follow clear ethical codes. You’ll build your knowledge and skills in teaching and assessing learners in practice. You’ll examine key ideas about how people learn, and how these apply in real settings. You’ll also look at a range of teaching methods to support learning in the workplace. The module explores how relationships affect decision making, with a strong focus on assessment. When you complete the module, it's equal to Stage 1 of the PEPS. This means you can supervise, teach, and assess social work students on their first placement.

Practice Education Stage 2

This module builds on the learning from Practice Education Stage 1. It focuses on extending your knowledge of the practice educator role. Reflecting on your own experience is vital, helping you identify areas for future development. This involves critically examining the context of practice education and its impact on the role. We'll use a range of teaching strategies to develop your learning and skills in practice. When you complete the module, it's equal to Stage 2 of the PEPS. This means you can supervise, teach, and assess social work students at first and final placement levels.

The course structure reflects the requirements of the PEPS. It provides support around the planned student placement blocks. Teaching takes place over four months, with one session per month. This allows for consolidation of knowledge and independent work.

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Group discussions and seminars
• Experiential exercises
• Skills development
• Student research
• Presentation and analysis of audio and videos.

As well as your time at university, you'll need to undertake self-directed study. You'll also be responsible for assessing a student on placement. Between teaching sessions, you'll work with your students to apply your learning to the placement process. We expect you to attend briefing sessions at the University to discuss this.

Assessment methods include:

• A practice portfolio of evidence
• A 2,000-word critical essay.

We'll offer you a group tutorial before you submit your assignment. These tutorials address any issues, learning needs, and skills development. They also cover managing your student's placement, further reading, and preparing your portfolio.