Two Approaches for Increasing Student Learning and Professional Development

Authors

  • Nancy E. Wood Saint Leo University
  • Amina Abdullah Saint Leo University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JNEL-2016-V6-I4-6817

Keywords:

professional development, learning styles, field supervision, field placement, human services

Abstract

In this article, we explore two teaching methods as well as the field placement process in human services programs. First, we examine synchronous and asynchronous instruction to accommodate three learning styles: auditory, visual, or tactile. Second, we explore the field placement process in terms of student preparation, site selection, proper form completion, agency approval and clearance, monitoring student progress, and field supervisor and student interaction. Third, we provide theoretical examples that demonstrate the use of teaching methods and the field placement process to enhance the student learning experience and professional development. Further, we discuss the responsibility to the profession and Saint Leo University’s values of excellence, respect, and personal development. Instructors who employ these approaches increase opportunities for student growth, learning, and professional development.

Author Biographies

Nancy E. Wood, Saint Leo University

Nancy E. Wood is an assistant professor of Human Services, Department of Human Services, Saint Leo University. 

Amina Abdullah, Saint Leo University

Nancy Woodserves as the Associate Department Chair of the Human Services department. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Services an MBA and a Masters in Human Resource Management. Dr. Wood has instructed various courses (both online and blended) in human services, healthcare management, and social research. For both online and on-ground instruction at the undergraduate and graduate level, she has also developed courses on those topics. Dr. Wood has presented at both national and international conferences on the topic of critical thinking strategies, online pedagogy, human services, and business and published on these topics. Her research interests are online pedagogy in a human service setting.

Dr. Amina Abdullah is an Assistant Professor and Regional Academic Director for the Human Services program in Virginia. She holds a PhD in Human Services and a Master's degree in Management. She started at Saint Leo University in 2012 as an adjunct faculty member in the Business department. She serves on the advisory board for John Amos' Halley's Comet Foundation, the Southern Organization for Human Services board as the State Representative at Large for Virginia, is the President of the International PhD Sisters Association (IPSA), and is the founder of the PhD Sisters Support Group with Capella University as well as the Pi Eta Delta Sorority. In addition, she also assists Custodians of Faith, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), with program initiatives, marketing, branding, and volunteering. She is a published author of the series "Their Journey to the PhD", a collection of stories from women who earned a doctoral degree. She is committed to advocating for and empowering young women.

Published

2016-10-31

Issue

Section

Articles