EPSY 494c - Career Group Practicum

Instructor: Dr. Beverly M. Brown (bevbrown@siu.edu)
Office:  223 Wham, 536-7763
Office Hours: TBA

TAs:
Candace Ball (candacem@siu.edu)
Jim Cook (jhcook@siu.edu)
Office:  Wham 229D, 453-6931
Office Hours: TBA
 

                                                  Purpose

The purpose of 494C is to develop a conceptual framework for the process of career counseling which
is integrated into direct application using the small group format and individual sessions which support
the group process. This purpose is achieved by observation of a career group; participation in the
instructional, task group; modification of a career group design; and facilitation of a career group with
supportive individual sessions.

Objectives:

  1. Identify group process events and developmental themes of the demonstration group.
  2. Demonstrate all core, entry level skill competencies in group work.
  3. Demonstrate all entry level skill competencies for specialist training in guidance/psychoeducational groups.
  4. Demonstrate entry level skills in the administration and interpretation of assessment instruments.
  5. Demonstrate entry level skill competencies in career counseling.
  6. Maintain appropriate ethical behavior as identified by the guidelines of ACA, AAC, and NCDA.

Requirements:

  1. Observe a weekly demonstration of career group sessions
  2. Maintain a portfolio for the class (see detailed instructions).
  3. Fill out a weekly record of process observations for the demonstration group, keeping this with the corresponding session number in your portfolio.
  4. Keep a personal log of your reactions to the demonstration group, the instructional task group, supervision, your own group, and so forth to help you in the future, either with this group or others you may subsequently lead. Keep track of your skill development and goals. Keep this log in your portfolio. Also, use the log to record questions for class or your supervisor.
  5. Modify the career group design observed in a manner which meets the needs of your group and criteria identified by the instructor/supervisor.
  6. Facilitate and tape record career group sessions, listen to segments of tapes on a regular basis, and critique the group process for supervision.
  7. Hold a minimum of five taped, individual sessions with group members to support the small group goals and process.  Complete critique and receive supervision on each individual session in a timely manner.
  8. Develop an understanding of small group research by participating in research or submitting three abstracts on small group research.
  9. Attend all class sessions, demonstrations, and supervision appointments. In the event that an absence is necessary, special arrangements must be made by the student to cover material and/or reschedule time missed. If the demonstration group is missed, make arrangements to view the session video. In the event it is necessary to miss class, make arrangements to have another student tape record the session. Important information is provided in each class.

Evaluation will be based on:

  1. Consistent application of career counseling concepts.
  2. Appropriate use of group facilitation skills.
  3. Ability to structure and implement individual sessions.
  4. Ability to appropriately interpret assessment instruments.
  5. Demonstration of process conceptualization in logs and within the instructional, task group.
  6. Assumed personal responsibility for skill development, use of supervision, and group leadership role.
  7. Ability to receive feedback in supervision and make appropriate adjustments.
  8. Contribution to supervision and the development of other students' skills.
  9. Consistent demonstration of professional behavior.

    A copy of the Group Leadership Evaluation form is located in your Student Packet. A minimum
  rating of 4 is expected on most criteria. However, evaluation will be based on all the above
  stated criteria. You will receive a formative evaluation near the 9th session of your group and
  final evaluation after the last session. Grades for the course are satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or
  deferred.
 
Texts and Materials

Students are expected to purchase the Student Packet for 494C, one copy of assessment instruments
used with EPSY 100, a large three ring notebook, and dividers to enhance organization.

     Jacobs, E. E., Harvill, R. L., & Masson, R. L. (1998). Group counseling: Strategies and skills. (3rd ed.).
     Pacific Groove, CA: Brooks/Cole.


Updated 08/24/98 lv
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