QUEZON CITY CAMPUS

PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY:
GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

11 June 2018

I. OVERVIEW

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 The Practicum in Psychology is a three-unit course that is part of the graduation requirement. The purpose

of the program is to allow students to gain experience that is directly relevant to their program of study in

psychology, including human factor, human services, clinical, or industrial/organizational psychology.

Students are expected to relate their work experiences to their academic program (in a journal that is due

every week).

It is likewise the objective of the practicum program to provide students with an opportunity to develop

knowledge and skills in applying theory to practice in psychology. The development of professional skills

begins with the student contacting prospective sites and arranging for a semester-long experience that

involves observation and participation in on-the-job activities. Moreover, cultivating professional

relationships and learning about the complexities of those relationships, students have the opportunity to

discover if a particular site experience matches their own strengths and interests. As a result, the practicum

program facilitates the decision-making process for students planning further career or graduate school

choices. Students benefit by learning from professionals at specific 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. The experiences gathered and set expectations must be complied by the

students through submission of their outputs undertaken during the 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 very important to the success of this program developed for students. The

students will be representing World Citi Colleges in the community. As such their actions will reflect both

themselves 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. We therefore trust, with the cooperation, that there will be

no problems in the future.  Dress and appearance requirements will be made by the practicum

site supervisor, and accordance with the appropriate dress codes will be expected.

    

III. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Program Outcomes

1. Psychology majors will receive a high quality education 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 are exposed to applied, active learning experiences in psychology involving on the

job training and service. 

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

education in psychology so as to enhance their knowledge and skills in their field of specialization. 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically about and analyze psychology concepts and

literature.

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

job training and practice these psychological theories within an ecological, problem-solving approach

using evidence-based practices to address the educational, social, behavioral, and emotional needs

of individuals or groups, and to promote healthy development of all individuals

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

presentations.

4. Students will integrate ecological perspective on the training program wherein the focus is on careful

integration of scientific methods of knowing, 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 or research, and 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 by telephone, 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 and the student is

interested in the site, 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.

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

B. Adviser and Head of the Psychology Department and CAS Dean.

C. The Institution’s Profile (One copy for your Supervisor)

D. 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 practicum site

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

G. protocol which includes the evaluation completed by/with the site supervisor, their daily

journal and 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 which 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 which 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
IV. EXPECTED Poor Performance 5.0 70 DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS IN THEIR ON THE JOB TRAINING

Area: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

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

1. Conduct 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 delivery

of care plans, which include psychological treatment and/or management of clients’

problems.

3. Devise and monitor appropriate program of treatment, including therapy, counseling, in

collaboration with the multidisciplinary team;

4. Assist in therapy and treatment of 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 implementation of employee selection and placement programs.

4. Assist in conducting interviews, and psychological tests to assess skills, abilities, and interests

of applicants for employee selection, placement, and promotion.

5. Assist HR in the assessment of employee performance.

Area: EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (COUNSELING)

Area of Training: Rehabilitation Agencies, Schools

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

1. Apply guidance and counseling principles when working with individuals and groups to assist

in changing, improving, understanding or managing situations;

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

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

4. Plan and implement therapy and evaluate outcomes;

5. Write reports 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

Noted by:

FLORANTE S. AGDON, MAED

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

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