The Practicum

 

To receive an OISE, University of Toronto Certificate in Adult Training and Development, you must complete all 5 program modules and successfully complete a practicum.

The practicum provides an oppourtunity to apply new concepts and skills from the modules and reflect on your learning.  The idea is to apply new learning from this program, so we strongly recommend you do something you haven’t done before.  For many people, this means finding a practicum outside of their workplace.

You are responsible for arranging your own practicum.  If you’re looking for an opportunity outside your workplace, consider contacts among your fellow students, contacting a community or volunteer organization that can use your expertise, or promoting an event on your own among friends or for the general public.

Practicum Options Available through OISE, University of Toronto

There are three practicum options at OISE, University of Toronto:  Reflective Practitioner, Skill Demonstration in Instructional Design and the CSTD option.  The three options are described below

Programs	Option One: Reflective Practitioner (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation (i.e. Facilitation), Evaluation (ADDIE)	Option Two: Skill Demonstration in Instructional Design
Focus	The focus of this option is on what you learn about the design and development of training or development for adult learners, based on your experience designing and facilitating the learning and the feedback you receive from you learners.   Given this focus, you will draw primarily from your learning in Modules 4, 5 and 1 (Emphasis on Module 2 will depend on the project you select	The focus of this option is to demonstrate a good grasp of the essentials of instructional design through applying the steps of the instruction design to develop effective training for a specific group of adult learners.   Given this focus, you will draw primarily from your learning in Module 3. (Emphasis on Module 2 will depend on the project you select)
Primary Purpose for Selecting	To practice a particular skill (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, interventions) To gather and respond to learner feedback on your design or facilitation	To practice each step in the instructional design process To receive feedback from an expert in instructional design
Evaluation	Evaluation is based on the quality of your reflection – what you did, how well it worked and what you would do differently next time. Your learning could take place regardless of the success of your session. The assessment is Pass, Fail or Incomplete, with an opportunity to resubmit part or all of an incomplete practicum. See specific evaluation criteria for Reflective Practioner Option attached.	Evaluation is based on the principles and practices of instructional design.  You must meet the basic standards of effective instructional design, including a detailed task analysis, application-level objectives and an evaluation plan. The assessment is Pass, Fail or Incomplete, with an opportunity to resubmit part or all of an incomplete practicum. See specific evaluation criteria for Skill Demonstration Option attached.
Requirements	Must include at least 6 hours of facilitation May be “training” or “development” – i.e., could focus on knowledge or attitudes with a longer term focus Content must be sufficiently complex to lend itself to 6 hours of facilitation	May be self-study or facilitated by someone else Must be “training” – i.e., preparing people to perform a specific task Content must include one or more specific tasks, and may range from relatively complex (e.g., manage a project) to relatively simple (e.g., prepare a resume) Must include a task analysis, application level learning objectives and matching practice activities Report must include learning materials [or link to program or screen captures if e-learning and facilitator materials (or storyboards if e-learning)]

Option Three: The CSTD Option

An alternative to the two OISE UT options is to obtain your Certified Training Practioner (CTP) or Certified Training & Development Professional (CTDP) certification with the Canadian Society for Training and Development.

 

Completing the Practicum

1.  Register and Pay

In order for your practicum proposal and eventually the report to be assessed, you need to remit the practicum fee.  Payment by cheque of money order must be sent or delivered to the Continuing Education office BEFORE your practicum is assessed. The practicum submission fee is $300.00.

You may also choose to pay the practicum fee online.  Click the "Pay Online now" link below.

Title
Practicum Fee	Pay Online now

2.  Submit Your Practicum Proposal

You must submit an electronic proposal for your practicum and should wait for approval before you proceed.  Once you have submitted your proposal you should receive a response within 15 working days.

Please submit an electronic copy of your proposal to continuinged@oise.utoronto.ca. Payment of the practicum fee must be submitted at this time.

3.  Complete Your Practicum

4.  Write Your Practicum Report

The evaluation criteria for the practicum option you have selected will help you structure your report and decide how much information to provide

There is an expectation of proficiency in English language composition and grammar.  Practicum evaluators, at their discretion, shall determine if the participant meets the required standards and will expediently notify any participant requiring remedial action.

Submission structure is to be consistent with accepted Academic Paper policy.  Strict adherence to APA standards is not required however it is a helpful guide. Full disclosure including citing of all references and source materials is required.  Submissions which include unacknowledged copied, borrowed or purchased work that is not the student’s own, violates the principle of plagiarism and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including withdrawal of the student from the program.  Participants who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are advised to discuss them with an OISE representative prior to submitting the work in question.

Please contact continuinged@oise.utoronto.ca if you wish to see samples of completed practicum submissions.

5.  Submit Your Practicum Report & Materials

Submit your completed practicum electronically to the Program Coordinator at continuinged@oise.utoronto.ca. Once you have submitted your proposal you should receive a response within one month.

 

Role of the Practicum Reviewer

The Reviewer’s role is to evaluate your ability to apply skills you have learned during the Certificate Program, using the practicum submission as the basis for a “pass” “incomplete” or “fail” grade.

Practicum Completion Policy

The completed practicum component must be submitted within 6 months after the last module that has been completed. Extensions for the practicum due date will not be considered unless there is a medical reason. One month's notice with the accompanying medical certificate is required to request an extension to the practicum due date.