Faculty write textbook to guide human services majors through internships
The workbook is laid out sequentially for use in two courses that prepare and support students during their internships.
Rehabilitation and Human Services faculty Michael Lavetsky, Abigail Akande, and Stacey Conway developed the content based on their research and professional experiences, and evidence-based practices.
"Experiential Learning and Internship for Undergraduates: A Workbook for Undergraduate Interns in the Human Services Field"will be used by human services students at Abington and at other Penn State campuses to guide them through the internships and career development and exploration processes.
“The book provides a roadmap and framework for students embarking on their internship experience," Dr. Conway said. "Taking knowledge students have gained over their years of study and applying it in real-world settings always brings some trepidation as well as surprises.”
Each chapter contains activities, case examples, self-reflective exercises and a review of core competencies. It includes an electronic version for students, faculty, and academic internship supervisors. Students can refer to it after their internships to explore the book’s topics and real-life scenarios more deeply.
"Throughout the book, students are encouraged to engage in self-reflective practices that help to foster personal and professional growth and empathic client engagement," Dr. Akande said. "These are critical habits that will inform their professional work and are designed to establish a foundation for rapport building, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice throughout their careers.”
"I hope that this book will help students feel confident and prepared as they enter this new experience."
Stacey Conway, Author
At Abington, the book will be utilized in both RHS 493: Professional Development and Internship Preparation, which is taken the semester prior to the required internship, and RHS 495A: Internship, which is concurrent with the internship.
“The text guides them through the process of applying to and selecting an internship site and provides ongoing support to the students as they put theory into practice during their actual internship experience,” Mr. Lavetsky said.
Although faculty at Abington and other Penn State campuses plan to implement the textbook in their courses, Akande explained that it can also be useful in academic programs internationally.
“Particularly in the Global South where undergraduate rehabilitation or human services-type programs do not exist, books like these can supplement individual courses or independent studies in tangential fields or with students who have an interest in the field but no access to a standardized degree program,” said Dr. Akande, who examines human services issues through an international lens.
The authors wrote individual chapters informed by their own research and professional experiences, best-known and evidence-based practices, and knowledge from their teaching experiences and curriculum.
Chapters in the book include case management, multicultural considerations for diverse populations, the role of legislation in the provision of human services, selecting and establishing an internship site, supervision, stress and self-care and core competencies.
