COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
BEd (Primary) EDFX207
2016
HANDBOOK
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Academic Coordinator: Dr Louise Mercer < [email protected] >
Placement Coordinator: Mrs Bernadette O’Malley
< Bernadette.O'[email protected] > Phone 3623-7442
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RATIONALE Informed by the Mission and ethos of the University, the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Faculty of Education Vision Statement says that the Faculty is “recognised for its commitment to human rights, social justice and those marginalised in society, and for its outstanding graduates and staff”. The Community Engagement experience that pre-service teachers are required to undertake is predicated on the notion that Education students will become more sensitively-attuned, compassionate and justice-focused teachers as a consequence of having had at least some exposure to life circumstances different from their own and to others in society from whom they may learn life skills of resilience, trust, optimism and courage. It is hoped that through the Community Engagement experience, ACU pre-service teachers will, in the words of the prophet Micah, experience and learn, if only a little more, what it means to…
...act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AIMS Community Engagement (CE) aims to create links between the University and the wider community, and offers pre-service teachers an opportunity to broaden their educational experiences outside the school classroom. This assists in breaking down artificial distinctions often drawn between formal and informal education settings. ‘Out-of-school’ settings offer legitimate and authentic experiences for learning and should therefore be recognised and valued. Through CE, pre-service teachers are able to engage in a variety of professional learning experiences that should increase their knowledge and skills and further their understanding of the potential for learning within the broader community. The program aims to develop pre-service teacher initiative and independence through a Community Engagement experience. It encourages individualised learning as pre-service teachers are able to work in environments that extend their personal strengths and intelligences, and challenge their pre-conceived notions about life and people. More specifically, Community Engagement seeks to: • encourage the development of open and flexible thinking and responsiveness to change
in non-school settings; • provide opportunities for pre-service teachers to develop a range of workplace skills,
including caring, service and administrative skills, among others; • promote an awareness of the concept of life-long learning through participation in
experiences that cater for a range of individual developmental stages from early childhood through to aged-care;
• facilitate the development of compassion, care, service and cognitive strengths, including specific intelligences and preferred learning styles; and
• provide opportunities for pre-service teachers to make a significant contribution to the life of the community through the sharing of personal expertise and time.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS Pre-service teachers are required to complete ten (10) days or an equivalent 60 hours in a in a ‘range of non-mainstream educational settings such as high support needs special schools, hospital and aged care education programs, refugee and community educational support programs and international, rural and remote teaching opportunities.’ (Generic Unit Outline for 2016). Pre-service Bachelor of Education (BEd Primary) teachers will undertake their block CE from May 9 – June 3, 2016 and to do so, students will need to be enrolled in both Units EDFX207 (Community Engagement) and EDFD221 (Creating Inclusive, Safe & Supportive Schools). As CE is an integral part of the overall Professional Experience Program, pre-service teachers should not receive payment for work completed during CE. Pre-service teachers are encouraged to participate in new and stimulating environments for their CE other than their usual workplace or voluntary work environments, in order to expand their repertoire of skills. PLEASE NOTE:
CE is a course requirement and failure to complete the program will result in a FAIL grade. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is not offered for CE. Please note that neither pre-service teachers nor their organisation/venue supervisors receive payment for service while completing CE.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCEDURES
1. Placement: Pre-service teachers will be required to select a CE placement from the range of options provided by the CE Placement Co-ordinator (Mrs Bernadette O’Malley). There will be only limited places in each setting/site/venue available across the range of CE settings and once students have made their choice and quotas at each place are filled, variations or changes will not usually be permitted.
2. Voluntary Service: Pre-service teachers will be required to provide voluntary (unpaid) community service on each of the 10 days of the CE experience, and attendance must will be verified on an attendance form, signed by the CE site supervisor (see Appendix A Extended Unit Outline).
3. Assessment: There are three required components in the assessment for
EDFX207. These components – (1) submission of certificate of completion of the compulsory online module Working with Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults (2) confirmation of service days/hours (signed by supervisor of service organisation) and (3) a professional learning portfolio are described in detail in the extended unit outline on the LEO site for EDFX207: Community Engagement (http://leo.acu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=17855).
4. All components MUST be submitted via LEO by FRIDAY, JUNE 10 at 11:45pm.
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STAGES OF THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE Stage 1: Preparation Students will be able to access the CE Handbook through the LEO site for EDFX207 once the 2016 academic year commences. The booklet provides details regarding all relevant documentation, including a Rationale for undertaking CE, CE aims, requirements, procedures, a Letter of Introduction, Blue Card requirements, a proforma to assist with Reflection on the CE experience and an ACU letter for organisations regarding insurance cover for students while on CE. Pre-service teachers are expected to assume a high level of responsibility for the quality of their work during the CE experience. Stage 2: Placement & contact with the CE site/venue Having received formal confirmation of their CE placement from the CE Placement Co-ordinator, pre-service teachers are responsible for making an initial contact with their chosen institution/ organisation, site/venue, prior to the Community Engagement commencement date of 9th May, 2016. After contact, pre-service teachers should further negotiate the daily starting time and routine of the experience with the appropriate personnel, as well as other matters such as appropriate mode of attire, etc. Pre-service teachers must not commence the ten (10) day block CE program until the designated dates unless they have permission from the Lecturer-in-Charge (Dr Louise Mercer) or Mrs Bernadette O’Malley (Placement Coordinator) to do so. Students allocated a 60 hours approach to CE, (in lieu of the 10 day block) will find their CE experience may extend beyond the designated block dates (9th May – 3rd June 2016). Stage 3: Evaluation & Reflection on the CE Experience After completing CE, pre-service teachers are asked to critically reflect on their experience in terms of the outcomes of the program. The requirements for the professional learning portfolio (e-Portfolio) are described in the extended unit outline on LEO. Please note: While no formal university supervision is conducted during the CE experience, encouragement is given to students to seek assistance from the CE Co-ordinator when necessary.
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Assessing Risk and Incident Reporting While you are on CE you need to be mindful of Workplace Health and Safety rules and regulations at the center in which you are volunteering. As a guide to potential risks please see four Risk Assessments as Appendix A-D of this document. In the event of an accident or incident you are required to take three actions. You are to
1. Immediately contact your centre supervisor and report the accident or incident.
2. Contact the ACU Lecturer-in-Charge of the Community Engagement unit so that they can take appropriate action on your behalf.
3. Complete the incident Report Appendix E and forward to your Lecturer-In-Charge of the Community engagement unit.
This procedure will be discussed in full during your first classes. BLUE CARD REQUIREMENTS All students enrolled in an Education degree and entering a Classroom/School/Centre must have a valid “Blue Card” in accordance with The Commission for Children and Young People Act (2000).
Pre-Service Teachers should apply for a Blue Card through the Faculty of Education Qld office. Identification documentation will need to be provided at the time of application. There is no fee involved and applications can take up to 10 weeks to be processed by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guidance.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure they have a “Blue Card” and that it is valid. Students without a valid Blue Card are prohibited from entering classrooms/child care centres.
Students who have a valid blue card through an external organisation need to complete an 'Authority to Confirm' form which is available from the Faculty of Education Qld Office.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
• Getting prepared: Enrolment in the unit EDFX207 & EDFD221 by start of Semester 1, 2016
• Duration: Total time of experience is ten (10) days • CE dates: Monday May 9 - Friday June 3, 2016 for B Ed (Primary)
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29October2015
ToWhomItMayConcern:
‘Organisation’thosewhoprovideunpaidindustryexperienceorvolunteercommunityengagementforstudentsofAustralianCatholicuniversity
ThepurposeofthisletteristoadviseorganisationsthatprovideunpaidindustryexperienceoravolunteercommunityengagementexperiencetostudentsofAustralianCatholicUniversityinrelationtocourserequirements,thatthefollowinginsurancecovershavebeenarrangedbytheUniversity:
1.General&ProductLiability
PolicyNumber: ACU16GPLPeriodofCover 01/11/2015to31/10/2016
2.ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyNumber: ACU16PLPeriodofCover 01/11/2015to31/10/2016
3.StudentsWorkExperiencePersonalAccidentPolicyNumber: 02.PAE.110727PeriodofCover 01/11/2015to31/10/2016
Icanbecontactedon(02)97392945,ifyourequirefurtherinformation
RajanWijeyFinancialAccountant
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LETTER OF INTRODUCTION
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN This letter introduces who is completing a Bachelor of
Education (Primary) course at the Australian Catholic University, McAuley at Banyo
Campus.
As part of the Community Engagement Unit, EDFX207, pre-service teachers are required to
undertake a Community Engagement (CE) experience consisting of ten (10) days in a
community setting other than a formal educational/classroom setting. These experiences
should increase the pre-service teacher’s knowledge and skills and further develop his/her
understanding of the potential for learning within the broader community. Further
information regarding the program is available from the student and/or the ACU Community
Engagement Coordinator.
An aim of CE is to develop the pre-service teacher’s initiative, independence and
interdependence through the CE experience. The Community Engagement experience that
pre-service teachers are required to undertake is predicated on the notion that education
students will become more sensitively-attuned, compassionate and justice-focused
teachers as a consequence of having had at least some exposure to the life circumstances,
different from their own, of others in society from whom the students may learn life skills of
resilience, trust, optimism and courage.
In this regard, the University is appreciative of any assistance you might be able to offer this
pre-service teacher to gain optimum benefit from the experience of encounter within your
organisation.
Dr Louise Mercer Community Engagement Coordinator Email: [email protected]
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Notes to aid reflection on the experience Pre-service teacher name:_________________________________________ Name of organisation:____________________________________________ Description of the role of the organisation:___________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ The rationale for your selection of this placement:____________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Description of your role when undertaking this experience:_____________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ List the various activities in which you participated while completing this experience:_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
Reflection on learning: (new page) You might valuably reflect on your learning experiences during this placement and discuss:
• the challenges encountered when participating in this professional placement; • your contribution to the organisation, program or community resource; and • the way in which this experience has assisted you to develop new knowledge, skills and
attitudes relevant to your professional learning process.
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EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
• When meeting initially with the venue organiser or contact person, give the organiser a timetable
of visits and contact phone numbers. • Be in attendance at the site/venue 15-30 minutes before commencement, in order to be available
for discussion and planning with venue organiser. Remain each day until all daily duties are completed.
• Use good manners and common courtesies. If there is a problem, explore this honestly, with the venue organiser initially. Work through correct channels. Good communication is essential for professional growth.
• Be appropriately attired, befitting a professional person. Please check with the venue organiser as to what is the expected appropriate attire.
• Prepare thoroughly for all aspects of your responsibilities. • Be open to and appreciative of the professional expertise and advice of experienced colleagues
at the Community Engagement site/venue. • You are considered professional members of the Community Organisation for the duration of
your CE experience. Consequently, you are in a privileged position in sharing socially and professionally with qualified members of an established community. Demonstrate a professional ethic and be circumspect about your comments to and about clients, peers and staff members.
ROLE OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATION SITE/VENUE CONTACT PERSON
The Community Organisation site/venue contact person’s role includes the following responsibilities: • interpret the aims of the organisation/site/venue to the pre-service teachers; • work with the pre-service teachers to determine the most suitable experiences for achieving the
aims of Community Engagement that the Community Engagement experience can provide; • arrange an initial orientation of the pre-service teachers to the organisation; • allocate pre-service teachers to appropriate tasks and personnel and make alternative
arrangements and alterations as may be necessary from time to time; • advise pre-service teachers on aspects of the experience they may have questions about; • verify the attendance records of the pre-service teacher on Community Engagement; and • communicate with the University Community Engagement (Indigenous Studies) Coordinator on
aspects of the program as necessary.
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SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TASKS
(To be used as a guide only)
SCHEDULE
TASKS
WEEK 1 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
WEEK 2 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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CONTACTS FOR THE PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS Pre-Service Teachers with personal circumstances that may affect their performance or participation in the Community Engagement experience are encouraged to contact the staff below for advice and support as early as possible.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Community Engagement Program
ACADEMIC COORDINATOR
Dr Louise Mercer [email protected]
PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
Mrs Bernadette O’Malley 07 3623 7442
STUDENT SERVICES Counsellor Ms Trudy Haak 07 3623 7326 [email protected] Disability Advisor (Temporary and chronic medical conditions and disabilities) Ms Brigitte White 07 3623 7248 [email protected] Weemala Indigenous Unit 07 3623 7195 Campus Minister, Campus Ministry Mr Mark Lysaght 07 3623 7172 [email protected]
STUDENT SERVICES Counsellor (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) Ms Lou Tod 07 3623 7684 [email protected] Careers Advisor Ms Mary Ward (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Wednesday morning) 07 3623 7539 [email protected] All appointments for the Student Services can be booked online at: http://www.acu.edu.au/43432
Campus Life – (Office of Student Success) Mr Eric Robinson 07 3623 7250 [email protected]
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APPENDIX A
Risk Assessment
Aged Care / Shelters
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AGED CARE
ACTIVITY RISK CONTROL PROBABILITY POSSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCE
RISK
SCORE
WORKING WITH
UNKNOWN
AND/OR CLIENTS
WITH DEMENTIA
Assault, resulting in
physical harm &/or
emotional trauma
ACU Briefing sessions including WHS session for
participants provided by ACU.
Induction session provided by aged care shelter facility.
Facility’s risk assessment policy in place.
Students support the divisional therapists in their work. A
person who is unsettled on a particular day is unlikely to
participate in group activities.
Working in partnership with other
community organisation members/staff who have
relationships with clients
Student debriefing after a disturbing
Incident
ACU counsellors available to
counsel students as required
Student completes a Critical Incident report for ACU
Student may request another placement
very unlikely Important Low
Witness to a disturbing event
e.g., a fall or injury, or having a
client die while they are doing CE
resulting in emotional trauma
ACU Briefing sessions including WHS session for
participants provided by ACU.
Induction session provided by aged care shelter facility.
Facility’s risk assessment policy in place.
Working in partnership with other
community organisation members/staff who have
relationships with clients
Student debriefing after a disturbing
Event
ACU counsellors available to
counsel staff & students as required
Student completes a Critical Incident report for ACU
unlikely Important Low
OTHER HAZARDS
IN WORKPLACE
COVERED BY
AGED CARE
PROVIDER’S RISK
ASSESSMENT
POLICY
Student induction at ACU provided by speaker from an aged
care facility.
Student induction at aged care shelter facility on first day of
attendance.
WHS session during CE preparation at ACU.
Injury unlikely Important Low
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APPENDIX B
Risk Assessment
Meals on Wheels
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MEALS ON WHEELS ACTIVITY RISK CONTROL PROBABILITY POSSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCE RISK SCORE
COOKING • Burns Induction session provided by MOW. MOW risk assessment policy in place.
WHS session for participants provided by ACU.
Unlikely Important, noticeable Low
• Injury or illness caused by implements /handling food
PACKAGING FOOD
• Lifting heavy packages Induction session provided by MOW. MOW risk assessment policy in place.
WHS session for participants provided by ACU.
Unlikely Important Low
DELIVERING MEALS TO CLIENTS WHO MAY BE DISADVANTAGED OR MENTALLY ILL
• Overwhelming feeling of emotional trauma or grief when delivering meals to clients who are disadvantaged or mentally ill
ACU Briefing sessions Working in partnership with other community
organisation members who have relationships with clients
ACU Debriefing session
Unlikely Important Low
• Harassment from clients, resulting in emotional trauma
Working in partnership with other community organisation members who have relationships with clients
Student debriefing after a disturbing incident ACU counsellors available to counsel students as
required
Very Unlikely Important Very Low
• Assault, resulting in physical harm &/or emotional trauma
Working in partnership with other community organisation who have relationships with clients
Student debriefing after a disturbing Incident ACU counsellors available to counsel students as
required
Very Unlikely Serious
Very low
• Witness to a disturbing or violent incident resulting in emotional trauma such as finding a client injured or deceased in the home
Working in partnership with other community organisation who have relationships with clients
Student debriefing after a disturbing incident ACU counsellors available to counsel students as
required
Very Unlikely Serious Very Low
• Involved in a car accident when delivering meals
ACU briefing sessions and Queensland traffic and road safety regulations
Unlikely Important, noticeable Low
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APPENDIX E
Accident & Incident
Report Form
The information provided in this form will be used for the purposes necessary to the functions and activities of Australian Catholic University. The information provided on this form may only be viewed by relevant officers in line with their responsibilities. For further information on the University’s Privacy Policy, please refer to the University’s web site at www.acu.edu.au
ACCIDENT AND INCIDENT REPORT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
PERSONAL INFORMATION Surname: _____________________ Given Name: ___________________ Date of Birth: _______ Student Number: ______________________________ Gender: Male Female Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Contact Telephone: __________________________________________________________ ACCIDENT/INCIDENT DETAILS Date of Accident/Incident: _________________ Time: _________________ Where did Accident/Incident Occur?: ____________________________________________ Nature of Injury (if applicable): __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ How did the Accident/Incident Occur?: ___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ REQUIRED TREATMENT
None First Aid Treatment: _____________________________ Name of First Aid Officer: ____________________________
Sent Home Date: ____________________ Time: __________________
Attended Doctor *(attach) Date: ____________________
Attended Hospital Date: ____________________
Counselling Required Date: ____________________
The information provided in this form will be used for the purposes necessary to the functions and activities of Australian Catholic University. The information provided on this form may only be viewed by relevant officers in line with their responsibilities. For further information on the University’s Privacy Policy, please refer to the University’s web site at www.acu.edu.au
INJURY DETAILS Please selected the nature of the injury, indicate the body part, and cause of the injury:
Amputation Asphyxiation Bruise or crushing Burn or scald Cut or open wound Dislocation Exposure Foreign body Headache or possible concussion Inhalation or respiratory Internal injury Possible fracture Possible poisoning Possible skin disorder Puncture Sprain or strain Other: _____________________
Please indicate what appears to be the cause of the injury
Animal or insect Biological Chemical Electricity Equipment or tool (powered) Equipment or tool (non powered) Explosion or implosion (pressure) Muscular effort Needle or sharp Radiation Slip trip or fall Stepping on or striking object Struck by moving object Thermal (heat or cold) Vehicle Vibration Other: ________________________________________________
Is this an aggravation of a previous injury? Yes No Were there any witnesses? Yes No Witness Contact details: _________________________________________________________ Have you notified your Supervisor? Yes No Date Notified: _____________ Have you contacted the LIC of Community Engagement Yes No Date Notified: _________ SIGNATURES Signature of Individual: ________________________________________ Date: _______________ Signature of First Aid Officer: ___________________________________ Date: _______________ Witness: ____________________________________________________ Date: _______________ INVESTIGATION Is further investigation required? Yes No What action has been taken to prevent the incident/accident occurring again? ___________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ COPIES OF REPORT This form should be forwarded to the LIC of Community Engagement within 48 hours of the incident or accident. Please keep a copy for your own records
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‘SupervisedprofessionalexperienceisattheheartofallourInitialTeacherEducationcoursesandtheFacultywillfindappropriateplacementstosuittheneedsofyourcourse.Placementswillusuallybearrangedforthescheduledplacementperiodintheprofessionalexperiencecalendar,althoughthismaynotalwaysbepossible.’