QUEZON CITY CAMPUS

PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY:
GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

23 Jan 2023

I. OVERVIEW

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 Practicum in Psychology is a three-unit course required as part of the graduation requirements of BS

Psychology students. The purpose of the program is to allow the senior students to gain experience

directly relevant to their degree, most importantly in the three major areas of psychological practice,

particularly the educational, clinical, and industrial settings.

The practicum program aims to provide students with opportunities to substantiate their knowledge and

skills in applying theory to practice. The challenge to their professional skills begins with the students

contacting prospective sites and arranging for a semester-long experience observation and participation in

on-the-job activities. By cultivating professional relationships and navigating the complexities of these

relationships, students will discover how different settings match individual strengths and interests. As a

result, the practicum program facilitates the decision-making process for students planning their career

paths and graduate school choices. Students benefit by learning from professionals from the specified

areas in psychology, and concerned institutions can gain by hosting inquisitive and energetic students.

Thus, student immersion in faculty-supervised professional training experiences is needed with a clear

expectation for a high level of engagement in professional training activities. As such, all psychology major

students are required to have undergone 21 units of major psychology subjects before they can take the

Practicum. Three Hundred hours are required for each student to engage himself/herself in hands-on

activities in the following areas: clinical psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and

educational psychology. Set expectations must be complied with by the students through submission of

their outputs undertaken during their on-the-job training.

II. PROFESSIONALISM AND CODE OF CONDUCT

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 It benefits both the College and the community to have a program that allows the two to work in

conjunction with each other. Students will be working in professional environments and must act

accordingly. Professionalism is a core value to the success of this program. In as much as the students will

be representing World Citi Colleges to the community, their actions will reflect their personal and the

College's integrity. Therefore, any actions deemed unethical by the practicum site supervisor or the

faculty adviser will result in the student's termination from the practicum program. This in turn results in a

failing grade for the course. Students are expected to follow dress codes and appearance requirements

established by the practicum site supervisor in accordance with the company’s rules and regulations.

    

III. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Program Outcomes

1. Psychology majors will receive high-quality training in the diverse discipline of Psychology through

the Practicum Program and learn communication and critical thinking skills expected of an individual

with scientific training. 

2. Psychology majors will be exposed to applied, active learning experiences in psychology involving on-

the-job training and service. 

3. Psychology majors will be prepared to take their place as working citizens and to pursue further

graduate education in psychology in their chosen fields of specialization. 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate analytical and critical thinking in the application and evaluation of

theories and concepts in psychology as practiced in on-site tasks and services.

2. Students will be able to effectively communicate psychological concepts and theories as they work

through on-the-job training and practice the knowledge and skills of their course within an

ecological, problem-solving approach using evidence-based practices to address the bio-psycho-

social needs of individuals and groups and promote their healthy development and well-being.

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 3. Students will be able to present and interpret quantitative and qualitative data in psychological

papers and presentations.

4. Students will integrate an ecological perspective on the training program focused on the careful

integration of scientific methods into practice and research. 

5. Students will practice psychology consistent with the ethical guidelines of the Psychological

Association of the Philippines.

6. Students will acquire competence in assessment, prevention, and intervention practices, by

conducting valid and meaningful case studies and research as well as engaging in skill-development

activities.

IV. PROCEDURE

Students must make decisions about their practicum sites at least one month in advance of the practicum

semester. They can refer to the institutions that World Citi Colleges have established a Memorandum of

Agreement (MOA) or they can approach other institutions who might be interested in psychology student’s

services. Students contact the agency and ask about the possibility of spending 8-10 hours a day (100 hours

per quarter in a semester) at the site observing and working in a capacity related to their interests in the

field of psychology (clinical, industry/organizational and educational.) If the institution is interested, the

student makes an appointment for an interview. Before approaching an institution, students must have a

resume in hand, and be prepared to apply and be interviewed by the director or designated staff member.

If after the interview, the internship site is amenable to the student’s application, the process of drafting an

agreement begins and an endorsement letter from the Head of the Psychology Department will be done.

Step 1: Consult Practicum Adviser for possible institutions where there is an existing MOA. An orientation

shall be given to those enrolled in this course.

Step 2: Choose one or two sites to contact by telephone or by personal inquiry.

Step 3: Send resume and/or make interview appointment, as directed by the institution’s contact person.

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 Step 4: Once a site is selected, begin to draft an agreement using

A. A copy of the Endorsement Letter, to be obtained and signed by the Practicum Adviser, Head of

the Psychology Department, and CAS Dean.

B. The Institution’s Profile (One copy for your supervisor)

C. The Work Schedule

Step 5: Complete a Special Permission Form (obtained from the CAS Office or Head of the

Psychology Department) to be signed by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences,

the Head of the Psychology Department and the Practicum Adviser. This form must

include:

A. The name of your institution where the student will hold their practicum

B. The schedule of service at the institution

C. The name of the Institution Supervisor

D. At least three Learning Objectives for the practicum experience

E. At least five activities the student will be engaged in at the practicum site

F. Grading criteria: prelim, midterm, and final experience;

G. The practicum protocol which includes the evaluation completed by the site supervisor, the

student’s daily journal, and the summative paper.

V. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements of the practicum site, students are required to turn in the following to the

Practicum Adviser:

A. A journal that includes a dated entry for every day of work at the practicum site. Each journal entry

should summarize the daily activities as well as a reflection on thoughts, emotions, and questions that

are stimulated by the practicum work.

B. The Practicum Adviser will require each student to submit this at the end of each grading period.

C. A completed evaluation at the end of the practicum done by the on-site supervisor and by the

student will be submitted to the Practicum Adviser.

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 D. A summative paper that will assess the overall effectiveness, outcome, or impact of the practicum

program. It will address the impact of the activities done during the practicum and if there is

improved student motivation or performance. Further, the summative paper will identify the

resulting outcomes in student learning,

E. A complete protocol for the prescribed area in psychology will be submitted to the Practicum Adviser

not later than the announced date of submission at the end of each grading period.

F. This will be checked and filed in the Psychology Laboratory for whatever purpose it may serve the

Psychology Department.

G. The protocols must be book bounded and submitted to the Practicum Adviser without fail at the end

of the semester as a requirement of the course.

VI. SCHEDULE OF SUBMISSION OF REQUIREMENTS

Prelim

Midterm

Final

VII. GRADING SYSTEM:

The Practicum Grading Rubric is used as the basis for evaluation and the grades will consist of the following:

A. Professor 25%
B. Supervisor 25%
C. Student 25%
D. Portfolio 25%

Exemplary Performance 1.0 100

Above Average Performance 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 96, 93, 90
Average Performance 2.0, 2.25, 2.5 87, 84, 81
Low Performance 2.75, 3.0 78, 75
Poor Performance 5.0 70

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IV. EXPECTED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS IN THEIR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Area: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Area of Training: Hospitals, Mental Institutions, and other Social Services

1. Undertake interviews, psychological assessments, and/or psychometric tests and

observations of individuals and groups.

2. Assist in the development of psychological assessment of clinical problems and the

development and delivery of care plans, which include psychological treatment and/or

management of clients’ problems.

3. Devise and monitor appropriately programmed treatment, including therapy, counseling, in

collaboration with other multidisciplinary teams;

4. Assist in therapy and treatments for difficulties relating to mental health problems such as

anxiety, depression, addictions, social and interpersonal problems and challenging behavior;

5. Carry out applied research, or case studies (2 cases)

Area: INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Area of Training: Business companies, and other related institutions

1. Assist HR in the analysis of job requirements and content in order to establish criteria for

classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.

2. Assist or conduct research studies of physical work environments, organizational structures,

communication systems, group interactions, morale, and motivation in order to assess

organizational functioning.

3. Assist in the development and implementation of employee selection and placement

programs.

4. Assist or conduct interviews, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and

interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, and promotion.

5. Assist HR in the assessment of employee performance.

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 Area: EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (COUNSELING)

Area of Training: Rehabilitation Agencies, Schools

(Individual adults or children; students and young people; older people.)

1. Apply psychological principles when working with individuals and groups in order to assist in

changing, improving, understanding, or managing situations;

2. Perform assessments of mental health needs, risk assessments, using psychometric tests;

3. Formulate psychological explanations of the cause of mental health difficulties;

4. Plan and implement therapy as well as evaluate outcomes;

5. Write reports and engage and do record keeping;

6. Undertake case studies or research, either individually or as part of a team.

Prepared by:

NORMA C. MIRANDA, Ph.D.

Practicum Adviser, Psychology Department

Noted by:

FLORANTE S. AGDON, MAED

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

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