Element Description
A practicum is an experience that allows work with professionals to practice the skills and knowledge they have acquired in the classroom. The purpose of a practicum is to provide a closely supervised activity where the student’s primary responsibility is to work with a professional who guides them in directing or conducting the activity. A field experience is defined as field-oriented supervised learning activities outside the college classroom that include a preplanned assessment of the experience, registration during the term the experience is conducted, and post evaluation with the instructor. As an example, a student in a teaching practicum might observe a classroom, assist with lessons and then prepare and present lessons. Often a student will write a report or similarly document the practicum to earn course credit. A practicum is usually unpaid, and will adhere to HLC requirements for formal agreements and clear learning objectives. Usually 45-60 hours of a practicum or field experience will be equivalent to one credit hour.
