BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work

Sheffield Hallam University

How to write your…

Work Based Learning 1, 4 Pillars of Youth Work

Portfolio

Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. General Guidance
  3. Module Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
  4. Structure, Content and Presentation
  5. Making it work
  6. Practice Analysis Recordings
  7. Submission
  8. Appendices:
  1. Practice Analysis Recording template
  2. NAOMIE Project Planning Matrix
  3. Project Report Matrix
  4. Paperwork Fieldwork Documentation - Quick Guide
  5. Marking Grid

1. Introduction

This document aims to guide you through the process of creating the Work Based Learning 1, portfolio 4 Pillars of Youth Work which you will complete during the period of your placement. The Portfolios that are submitted by students may look a little different to each other but they must all meet the module outcomes and follow the structure that is described in this guidance.

The module teaching programme will focus on the different elements that make up the portfolio but it is vital that you are aware of the specific requirements at the beginning of your placement so that you can gather evidence and develop material. You must make your supervisor aware of the tasks that you must complete for this portfolio and make sure that they have a copy of this guidance along with the Placement Handbook. It is also important that you read ahead so that you can start your placement with as broad an understanding of young people’s development as possible, to enhance your other studies in semester 1. Try to develop a range of activities for your work.

The Portfolio is a record of your achievements and it is important that you show a sense of pride both in terms of presentation and content. Another major factor for a successful portfolio is the ease with which it can be read by your tutors. As it will contain a range of different material, it is vital that it is easy to follow.

We do not mark Portfolios 'by weight' so please only include evidence that is requested! Finally, the portfolio is not something you can leave to the last minute so plan ahead and you MUST develop the recordings and other materials throughout your placement.

2. General Guidance

The Portfolio must be your own work and should be neatly presented.

It should be written with:

1.A good standard of English throughout.

2.A clear structure.

3.Reference to research and literature throughout (including agency policy and national guidelines) relevant to the particular element/topic under consideration.

4.Full Harvard referencing must be used according to the conventions set out in the SHU guide. If you are struggling with this please seek support.

You must use this guidance in conjunction with the Placement Handbook which contains all the paperwork that must be completed.

MODULE OUTCOME / Criteria: HOW IS THIS ASSESSED?
1) An understanding and ability to respond to the developmental needs of young people / Placement:
  • Observation of your practice by your Placement Supervisor and other staff as appropriate
  • Summative Report
  • Formal Observation Reports as appropriate
  • Supervision records as appropriate
Portfolio Tasks:
  • Reflective Analysis of your practice and that of others as appropriate
  • Life History Interview

2) Demonstrate the application of a broad understanding of anti-oppressive practice, which is both proactive in raising awareness and responsive to issues as they arise / Placement:
  • Observation of your practice by your Placement Supervisor and other staff as appropriate.
  • Summative Report
  • Formal Observation Reports as appropriate
  • Supervision records as appropriate
Portfolio Tasks:
  • Reflective Analysis of your own practice.
  • Group Project Planning and Evaluation

3) The development of activities which enable informal learning and development using a variety of approaches. / Placement:
  • Observation of your practice by your Placement Supervisor and other staff as appropriate
  • Summative Report
  • Formal Observation Reports as appropriate
  • Supervision records as appropriate
Portfolio Tasks:
  • Reflective Analysis of your own practice.

4). Demonstrate an understanding of the central role of effective relationships, understanding group process and dynamics, and the ability to lead and maintain groups. / Placement:
  • Formal observation of your practice by your Placement Supervisor and other staff as appropriate
  • Summative Report
  • Formal Observation Report of the group project
  • Supervision records as appropriate
Portfolio:
  • Group Project Planning and Evaluation
  • Reflective Analysis of your own practice.

3. Module Outcomes and Criteria

Please see assessment tab in BB for the Marking Grid, make sure you work towards the expectations in the final column.

Structure Content and Presentation

Your Combined WBL Portfolio will contain:

a) A list of contents.

b) An introduction that clearly indicates the following:

  • A clear description of the purpose of the team, department and organisation, including, geographical area covered, target group and age range, the types of work undertaken and the key aims of the organisation/project.
  • A description of the team that you worked within during the placement.

c) Fully completed and signed placement paperwork as listed below:

  • Learning Agreement - signed.
  • Mid-Way Review - signed.
  • 2 formal observations. At least one must be completed prior to the Mid-Way Review, and one based on your groupwork. – see d) below.
  • Time sheets completed in full and signed by the supervisor.
  • At least 5 Supervision Records, completed in full and signed.
  • Summative Report - signed.

d) 4 Completed Practice Analysis Recordings, that cover the following module outcomes:

  1. An understanding and ability to respond to the developmental needs of young people
  2. Demonstrate the application of a broad understanding of anti-oppressive practice, which is both proactive in raising awareness and responsive to issues as they arise
  3. The development of activities which enable informal learning and development using a variety of approaches.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the central role of effective relationships, understanding group process and dynamics, and the ability to lead and maintain groups.

e) A record of an interview with a young person outlining their lifehistory. Highlight key developmental points, transitions changes, interventions as appropriate. Consider the interventions which were undertaken, or which might have been undertaken. Include aspirations, hopes and concerns for the future.

f) A fully completed Project Planning and Report Form

g) A fully completed Project Observation - with signed comments from your supervisor.

h) Other material that supports and is linked to your Practice Analysis Recordings and your Project Planning/Evaluation Matrix. You may need to scan some of this.

This could include:

  • Minutes of planning meetings
  • Evaluation sheets and data
  • Feedback from young people

f) A conclusion that includes:

A Self assessment against the Professional & National Occupational Standards at the beginning and end of placement. Together with your summative report, and observation record, this reflection should provide the basis for a short discussion of your ongoing practice development needs 4 SMART action points.

Note: If you are thinking of including a piece of evidence in your portfolio but are not sure of how to present it or if it is acceptable, contact the module leader.

4. Practice Analysis Recordings

Your recordings should attempt to focus on things that you did or events that you played a part in and are used to provide evidence for the related module outcomes. They are an analysis of your practice.

You MUST include the full template in your recordings and attempt to answer all the questions. A rough guide for each recording is 500 words but you may write a little more if you wish.

Remember that the template is based on Kolb's Learning Cycle:

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

  • Too much 'Description' (section 1) and not enough 'Reviewing' (section 2) and 'Generalising' (section 3) and 'Action' (Section 4)
  • No reference to theory or poorly applied or explained theory. It is always important to explain why a particular reference is relevant and to give a clear example.
  • No/poor use of Harvard referencing - get help with this if you need it!
  • Changing the focus of the recording in the different sections: The Description (first section) should raise all the issue(s) to be examined in the recording. Those core issues(s) should then be analysed in the remaining 3 sections thus maintaining the focus of the recording and completing the reflective cycle.

'Quality' Practice Analysis Recordings:

The best recordings are not completed at the last minute but are written in-full soon after the event and are shared with your supervisor and tutor who will help you to reflect and analyse in greater depth and may suggest relevant sources of theory. You will be asked to submit recordings for formative feedback from your tutor.

5. SUBMISSION of YOUR PORTFOLIO

The dates for formative and summative submission of your portfolio are detailed in the module programme and the assessment calendar. The summative dates will also be on the 'Assignment Scheduler' system. If you are still on placement 2 weeks prior to the submission date then you must re-negotiate a new date with your academic advisor (tutor) and Darren Wall. Nominally this will be exactly 2 weeks after the completion of your placement.

Submission of Placement Paperwork

Your Placement Supervisor must email The Summative Report, the 2x Practice Observations, Records of Supervision and the Project Report to yourself and your Academic Advisor who will respond. Once you have received this response you must upload all the documents onto Blackboard.

Submission of Practice Analysis Recordings, Project planning and Evaluation etc.

The rest of your portfolio as detailed above must be submitted via Turnitin (this process will be explained to you) and Blackboard as one complete Microsoft Word document by the agreed date.

Integration and application of theory, models, research, statistical etc.

You must include references to a range of theory, models, research and statistical evidence as appropriate. This will mainly be within your PARs (Practice Analysis Recordings) but could be anywhere in your portfolio. When doing this you must:

  • Make accurate use of the Harvard Referencing system.
  • Include a reference list at the end of each recording and a combined list at the end of your portfolio.
  • Apply and integrate sources as part of your analysis of practice including your own actions. If this is done well your understanding of any external sources will be apparent.
  • Utilise sources from across the course and elsewhere, using the Library Gateway. Web based sources may be fine but you must not rely on them. They must also be used with caution in terms of their accuracy and validity.

Formative Submission

Learning Agreement

This must be uploaded onto Blackboard by the agreed date using the portal in the Assessment tab - see Bb and the module programme.

Formative Assessment:

You will be asked to submit the following…

Your PROJECT PROPOSAL using the NAOMIE Project Planning Template

One completed PRACTICE ANALYSIS RECORDING.

These must be uploaded on to the WBL1 Blackboard Site using the portal in the Assessment tab.

Failure to do this by the agreed date will result in your tutor being unable to give you feedback in the academic advice session (tutorial).

Appendix i:Practice Analysis Recording pro-forma

This is based on Kolb's Reflective Learning Cycle.

STUDENT'S NAME:

DATE of ACTIVITY/EVENT:
ACTIVITY/EVENT:
VENUE:
THOSE INVOLVED: (staff, young people, numbers, age, gender, ethnicity etc.):
MAIN FOCUS/ISSUE EXAMINED IN THE RECORDING:

Description - Having the experience (Activist)

What happened?

What did you do?

What did others do?

How did you feel at the time and why? (pleased, angry, bored, confused etc.)

Understanding - Reviewing the Experience (Reflector)

What was positive about the experience?

What was negative?

Discuss possible reasons/causes for your actions and those of others?

Discuss what might be the underlying causes of the situation?

Looking back how do you feel about what happened?

Generalising - Concluding from the experience (Theorist)

What does your experience tell you about such situations in general?

Apply and discuss relevant theories, models, research etc.

What therefore can you learn for the future?

(Implications for Action) - Planning the next steps (Pragmatist)

Having reviewed and concluded from the experience what changes should you now make in your practice and why?

REFERENCE LIST. This and your references within your recording must be in the correct (HARVARD) format at the end of each recording. They must then be included as a full comprehensive list (together with references from your Project Reports etc.) at the end of your portfolio:

Appendix ii: WBL1NAOMIE Project Planning Matrix

Name and brief description of the Project including the target group and context:
How will this project demonstrate the core principles of Youth and Community Work?
Clear references must be included.
Item / Details / Guidance Notes (remove this column before submitting your plan).
Needs for the piece of work. State clearly how these were identified and by whom. / Needs may have been identified by you and the young people/person, your organization, funders, another agency etc.
A link to policy, stats or research may be useful!
Aim(s), / Written as one or two long sentences:
The Project aims to……………with………through……etc. / Make sure that this is clear and preferably in one sentence. It should indicate the overall aim of the project and in general terms how you are going to achieve that.
Aim(s) are based on the identified Needs
Objectives (or milestones) - these should be SMART!
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time bound / To…………with………by……… / All the key objectives (milestones) that you/the project will have to meet on the way towards achieving your Aim(s). These could be before, during and after the project actually runs.
1
2
3
4
5.
more?
Methods used / Group work, activities, residential work, detached work, using the arts? sport? etc.
You must link this to plan(s) and programme(s) in your appendices.
Indicators/Outcomes that you will be working towards / The young people will / The key outcomes for the young people/person involved and the things that will indicate whether they have achieved them. These could be changes to the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes that the young people have. They could also be about Experiences, Feelings and the Processes that they go through.
Avoid outcomes that might be too ambitious or difficult to prove.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
more?
Evaluation methods / I will evaluate the project in the following ways: / You must say how you intend to evaluate your project, formatively and summatively.
Specific Evaluation methods should be built into any programme not added as an afterthought. They must enable you to gather all the data you need to ascertain whether you have met your Aims and Outcomes. Both Qualitative and Quantative Data!
  1. Complete this with reference to the NAOMIE/Project Planning PowerPoint on the Module bb site. Please copy this grid and complete it electronically as a proposal (part of your formative submission). This must also be included in your Portfolio. Note that the boxes will expand and you can take out the guidance notes when you have noted them.

Appendix iii: WBL1 Groupwork Project Report

Please copy the grid and complete it electronically. Note that the boxes will expand and you can take out the guidance columns/notes after you have noted them.

Name of the Project and its key Aim
Description of the group – composition, stage of development, roles…..
Overall Comments:
Were the Aims met?
How did the project demonstrate the core principles of Y&CW
Outcome
(intended or unintended outcomes)
(there maybe more than 5) / State how/why each outcome was this met (or not)? / Links to Evidence e.g. evaluation data in appendices, programmes, Practice Analysis Recordings, Observations, Reports etc.
1
2
3
4
5
A short analysis of your role in planning, facilitating and evaluating the project.
An analysis of your role (s) in leading the group.
An analysis of the group dynamics.
Lessons Learnt
Links to Minutes of meetings your Programme, Practice Analysis Recordings, Observation Reports, Supervision notes etc. must be indicated as appropriate
Supervisors Comments and Signature. / Date:

Appendix iv: Paperwork (The forms are all contained in the Placement Fieldwork Supervisor's Handbook and will be available on the SHU Youth and Community Work Placement Website)

FORM / PURPOSE / RESPONSIBILTY / TIME-SCALE
Placement Learning Agreement / To set out and agree full details of the placement