Placement overview
Name: Jacqueline
College: Barking & Dagenham College
Vocational area: Health & Social Care
Location: Portugal
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"I was able to visit the placements and to observe how practices can be both similar and slightly different from country to country. I could see how my teaching was put into practice by the students, and identify any gaps in their learning."
The motivation
I accompanied my students to Portugal to help them settle in to their placements. The experience had a number of positives, particularly for me as a professional.
I was able to see how my teaching was put into practice by the students, and also to identify any gaps in their learning.
The placement
The students placed in care homes assisted with personal care, feeding, plus creating and participating in activities to stimulate brain and co-ordination. They also assisted with the general cleaning of the care settings.
The nursery placement students assisted with feeding, changing nappies, playtime activities, art and creative work. They went out to swimming trips and assisted with getting the children ready and also on a trip to a park.
All students got involved and enjoyed participating in the activities.
Professional Development
I was able to visit the placements and to observe how practices can be both similar and slightly different from country to country. It took me out of my comfort zone to be away from my home country for two weeks and to be living in a country where I could not speak the language.
I had the opportunity for continued professional development, and I was able to apply my assessing skills to the work that the students were doing.
The impact
The students learnt so much, not only about the job roles they were doing or the expectations of each, but also about themselves. I observed the growth in the students’ ability and confidence throughout the trip. Many did not want to return and wished they could have stayed longer!
One of my students was quite withdrawn before embarking on the trip and lacked confidence on the course. The trip had such a positive impact on her; She became more outgoing, was able to communicate with everyone and was up and out early to always be punctual. She arrived as one person and left as a very different one for all the right reasons!
Outcomes
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Improved language skills
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Exposure to cultural experience
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Confidence building
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Improved people skills
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