Active & Engaged Learning (250 points)

SWRK 6670 is a course that provides students an opportunity to learn how to manage a program planning project amidst the hectic demands of school and everyday life. A major part of the class is learning by doing (as students bridge course assignments with practicum activity). So, what is active and engaged learning? It is a process of learning in which students take action by doing and performing. Students are active (versus passive) and proactive (versus reactive) in the learning process. This portion of students' grades will be assessed by considering the following areas:

1. Participation in class (50 points) . Average participation (i.e., "B") includes the usual behaviors expected of an attentive graduate student (e.g., attentive in class discussion, raising thoughtful questions, asking clarifying questions when needed, maintaining professional composure, etc.). Exemplary participation (i.e., "A") is beyond average (e.g., offering opinions and insights in a respectful manner, raising questions, encouraging participation of other students, thoughtful peer feedback, etc.)
2. Weekly Web CT "Discussion Board" (200 points). Each week, students will chronicle aspects of their learning. Specifically, students will be asked to respond to a set of questions that ask them to reflect on a particular stage of program planning in the contexts of (1) their assigned readings for the week and (2) any related program planning activities taking place in the practicum. Students are encouraged to think of the weekly postings as an on-going "discussion" and not formal papers per se. Students should aim to demonstrate understanding of key program planning concepts as they apply to their particular practicum situations. If understanding is not yet reached, then students should aim to raise thoughtful questions with the intent to reach such understanding.
3. Attendance. It is expected that students attend all classes. Each student is provided one "get out of class free" pass (i.e., no points deducted) provided that he/she let the instructor know in advance of the class, or portion of the class, that will be missed. After that, a 20 point deduction will occur for each class session missed. It is expected that students will arrive and leave class on time.

The instructor will provide each student with a performance assessment in the 5th class session. Additional performance assessments may be issued if problems are identified in earlier assessments or arise throughout the course.

PRESENTATION - Program Plan (200 points)

Students will prepare a written summary (4 to 5 pages) and give a brief presentation of their program plan proposals in a simulated competitive funding presentation. Final presentations will take place on location at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation where students will present their proposals to "real-life" community investment officers who will provide feedback. Written summaries are due in the week prior to the presentation. The content of presentations will be based on excerpts from the final paper; that is, the program proposal (read on...).

FINAL PAPER - Program Proposal (550 points)

Students enrolled in SWRK 6670 must be affiliated with a social service agency either through their field placement (SWRK 6770) or another affiliation (e.g., employment) that has been approved by the instructor. Students will target one agency/program as a "case study" as a focus for learning. Weekly Web CT Discussion Assignments are designed to assist students in developing a program plan that, ideally, the affiliate agency may use to submit for funding if so desired. A generic proposal outline offered by www.npguides.org will be used to guide the construction of this assignment. Click here for details.

Selecting a Case Study Program

To help decide whether a particular "program" is suitable as a case study for the course, student should use the following criteria:

• Agency/Program administration or staff are concerned that client* need is not fully met by the existing program. It could be that staff members feel additional (new) services are needed or that an existing program could benefit from revision. Avoid choosing a program that is solely concerned with program expansion (i.e., more of the same). *Note: Client is defined as members of underserved, disenfranchised or oppressed populations, or traditional client groups served by the social work profession.
• You have the support/interest of the agency/program to develop a new (supplemental) or revised program plan.
• You have access to key agency/program personnel and/or clients throughout the semester (e.g., to interview about the program, to request program-related information, to check your assumptions, etc).
• You will have access to key documents (e.g., organizational chart, program plan or proposal, annual report, program records) of the agency/program.
• (Ideal but not required). You have experience or background knowledge in the target population or problem.
• (Ideal but not required). Program personnel can provide you with theoretical or empirical readings directly relevant to the target population or problem.

Note: If a student is not able to identify a suitable case study program, then he/she may pair up with another student in the class. Any pairings must be approved by the course instructor.

Technology Expectations

Technological skills related to computer and internet use are essential for success of present-day social service administrators. You can expect to dabble in six computer skill areas to either complete or enhance your assignments for this course.

• Database Queries (Library, Internet)
• Census and Statistical Data (Internet)
• Tables (WORD, EXCEL) Program Forms, Schedules
• Document tracking (WORD)
• Data Management (EXCEL, ACCESS)
• Charting (Organizational, flow charts) - (WORD, VISIO)

Some technology activities will be introduced during select class periods or step-by-step handouts will be made available to students for out-of-class practice. Additionally, students are expected to seek out additional "tech" training as needed either through available support services at WMU, software tutorials, or world wide web (www) resources.