Course Title: Models of Practice and Sites of Intervention

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Models of Practice and Sites of Intervention

Credit Points: 12

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HWSS2133

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018

Course Coordinator: Debra Bateman

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8267

Course Coordinator Email: debra.bateman@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.2.28

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to thoughtful and reflexive models of youth work practice.

Students are introduced via a various of experiential and problem based learning models to key skill sets used for working with young people. These include effective interpersonal communication skills such as active listening, interviewing young people, counselling skills and introductory level group work. These skills will be taught in ways that highlight the need to modify techniques according to the particular context and needs of young people. Students will also develop skills in designing and implementing client centred programs/interventions.

As mentioned above, students are encouraged to reflect on the human interests they see operating in various youth work practice skills. This is achieved analysing whether the practices under consideration informed primarily by an interest in extending control or dominance of young people, or is there an interest in empowering young people.

We also establish what other factors inform professional judgments about what constitutes good youth work, and what actions and skills are most appropriate. The influence of the site of intervention (school, juvenile justice) on practices is also explored (ie., statutory and institutional requirements, culture).

In addition, this course encourages students to think about the type of youth worker that they want to be, by considering the change that they want to help make, and how they think this can be achieved.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

In this course, RMIT graduate attributes are developed in areas of:

 


By the end of this course students will:

  • Develop knowledge of the youth work discipline, while reflecting on their position as youth workers.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of key youth work skills.
  • Appreciate the need to modify techniques according to the particular context and needs of young people.
  • Develop skills in designing client-centred programs and interventions.
  • Understand agency and advocacy, and their different uses.
  • Appreciate ‘client’ rights and responsibilities and protocols relating to privacy.
  • Understand how other factors inform professional judgments about what constitutes good youth work, and the influence that the site of intervention has on those decisions.


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities for this course involve working in small groups in class, contributing to class discussion and participating in role play activities. Much of this course involves learning through action, where students will be encouraged to develop practical skills by applying them in the class room. As a large part of this course is centred on developing practical skills, attendance and participation in workshops is essential.


 


Overview of Learning Resources

Students will need to access to prescribed and recommended texts and information technology (computers, data bases).


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may include role play, reflective pieces and the development of a program. You will be assessed on how well you apply learning from the course, in developing each assessment piece. You will receive qualitative feedback on each assessment submission.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services for more information.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment