Premium
Getting Ready for Community Practice: An Evidence‐Based Preparation Course for Kenyan Practicum Students
Author(s) -
VanLeeuwen Charlene A.,
KathuriOgola Lucy,
Weeks Lori E.,
Kabaria Muriithi Joan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
family and consumer sciences research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.372
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1552-3934
pISSN - 1077-727X
DOI - 10.1111/fcsr.12248
Subject(s) - practicum , experiential learning , focus group , kenya , psychology , medical education , interpersonal communication , experiential education , pedagogy , stakeholder , medicine , sociology , political science , public relations , social psychology , anthropology , law
Practicums provide opportunities for students to connect theory with practice through experiential learning and hands‐on work experience. While recommended for students in Kenya, there is little research on the practicum experience. This article describes evidence used to prepare students for practicum experiences. Interviews and focus groups (FGs) were conducted with three stakeholder groups in two phases. Findings informed the development of a practicum preparation course that covers topics including (i) becoming a reflective professional and/or practitioner; (ii) articulating practicum learning goals; (iii) mental preparation for demanding field‐based situations; and (iv) developing confidence in interpersonal communication. Phase two evaluated the initial impact of the course through FGs and follow‐up interviews.