Correctional Practicum
This course involves much more than just reporting to an agency and watching
what goes on. In order to get the most out of the experience, you must be
prepared for it before you go, and you must think about what you have learned
once you have completed the practicum. The assignments in this class are
designed to ensure that this learning process occurs.
Assignment #3.1 – Related Reading Assignment
This course is intended to provide you with an opportunity to have an in-depth
look at a correctional institution or agency or penitentiary, probably for the first
time. These agencies are unique in terms of organization, staff, and clientele.
It is important that you enter the agencies and prisons with an idea as to what to
expect in order to avoid a “tourist” experience. In other words, you should
understand something about how the agency to which you are assigned works
and, more importantly, what it means to be employed there.
You are required to select a reading related to your placement and provide a three page précis of
it. Readings from journals or chapters from books are appropriate. You must choose readings of
40-60 pages in length. Prior approval of the instructor is required in order to insure that the
readings are appropriate to the placement. Use the form that follows to advise the practicum
coordinator of your choice of readings. (Note: If you do not have access to a library or other
suitable information, please advise the practicum coordinator who will provide you with suitable
readings.)
Include in your précis, at a minimum:
?? the title of each article and the author
?? why you feel the reading is relevant to your placement
?? what you feel you learned from the reading
?? what thoughts and ideas you have changed as a result of the reading
?? what questions you will be seeking answers to
?? what your expectations are of your placement
?? and other insights and comments gained from the reading
During the practicum you are expected to keep a diary of your experiences–the things you
observe, the duties you perform, and other learning experiences. It is suggested that you make
brief reminder notes during your shift, and write them up more formally after work. The notebook
should provide a broad picture of your experience.
Part II: Synopsis Value: 15%
Once your practicum assignment is complete you are required to write a formal synopsis of the
diary. This synopsis should describe your experience in general, but should focus on at least three
(3) specific areas in considerable detail. A list of sample areas follows; choose three that have
particular interest for you and write about them in detail. Use information gained during the
placement, plus examples from agency life, and attach supporting or illustrating documents from
the agency. Your synopsis must be a minimum of five pages in length (typed and double-spaced),
not including title page and attachments. Outside references are not required, but if used, must be
properly referenced. Note that the synopsis should not be a repetition of what you recorded
in your diary. It should be a thoughtful integration of ideas, thoughts, and experiences
related to the practicum experience. A list of areas you may choose to address in your synopsis
follows; use it as a guideline only.
Module 3- 4
Your synopsis should be completed as soon as possible after you complete the placement, while
the information is fresh in your mind. Both the synopsis and your notebook must be sent to the
practicum coordinator.
Marks will be awarded based on content, completeness, extent and accuracy of observation,
analysis, and grammar and spelling.
Part III: Evaluation Value: 5%
It is important to evaluate the practicum experience from your perspective. Therefore, you are
required to submit a narrative evaluation of your experience. This should describe what you liked
about the practicum, what you did not like, what could be changed to make it better, how you
gained from the experience, and so on.
The evaluation should be a maximum of one page in length. The practicum coordinator will
remove and retain this page. The information may be used to give feedback (anonymously) to
placement agencies so that placements may be constantly improved.
List of Areas for Discussion
1. Interaction between staff and clientele
2. Interaction between inmates – sources of conflict, etc.
3. Security routines
4. Inmate/client control techniques
5. Programs and program effectiveness
6. Prisoner’s right
7. Daily routines
8. Attitudes of staff towards inmates and vice versa
9. Coping skills of staff and inmates
Module 3- 5
10. Means by which staff relieve stress
11. An analysis of the inmate population: Who are they and why are they in gaol?
12. Counselling programs in the agency
13. Daily muster: content, purpose, and practice
14. Other (check with instructor)