ATPR 411 - Bachelor of Agriculture Technology Practicum II

Elective course
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

1.deduce and scrutinize workplace skills and strategies to perform effectively and strive for success in an industry, government or other workplace as an entry level employee in a defined area of agriculture technology.

2.choose and demonstrate self-motivational skills and abilities, and integrate constructive feedback from supervisors and colleagues, and effective verbal and written communication skills.

3.analyze, assess and apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to workplace situations while effectively performing assigned tasks.

4.utilize effective active listening techniques when assessing and integrating guidance from supervisory personnel and communicating effectively with professional tact during meetings with supervisors, fellow employees and clients.

5.discriminate and demonstrate professional ethics and appropriate courtesy and decorum in relations with supervisors, peers, clients or customers, including the obligation to abide by the terms and conditions of a tripartite practicum agreement.

6.differentiate, determine, and incorporate effective problem and decision-making techniques when performing assigned tasks including the ability to think critically and determine the nature and scope of a problem, identify potential solutions, and recognize when supervisory or professional support or guidance is required.

7.prepare a technical report.

8.participate in the daily functions of an ag technology business or enterprise.

9.have client interaction within the business.

10.describe the processes involved in the production/creation of the goods/services the ag enterprise offers to its customers.

11.accomplish ag tech business specific goals and objectives set out mutually by student, practicum coordinator, and supervising individual.

Required Resource Materials:
Students should have access to a current copy of the Student Practicum Handbook during a practicum placement. Each student should also receive or request a copy of the Policy and Procedures manual for the practicum host agency.

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
Students participate in a practicum placement search process in consultation with a practicum facilitator and subject to certain conditions, outlined in the Practicum Handbook for the Agriculture Technology Degree Program. A tripartite “Workplace Agreement” contract between the College, workplace host site/agency, and student formalizes the work experience/practicum placement by mutual agreement of all three parties. Subsequent changes to the agreement may be initiated by any party but require a mutual agreement from all parties.

Practicums are collectively about 32 weeks in duration. Practicum I, approximately 16 weeks, normally runs from May through August. Practicum II, approximately 16 weeks, normally runs September through December.

Practicums are normally performed with a single workplace agency over the consecutive 32-week period, but the College reserves the right to approve other arrangements at the discretion and direction of the Practicum Facilitator. Normally students complete both practicum courses in direct sequence (i.e. without a break or with a minimal break).

Minimal workable hours and days for each practicum are: 480 hours or 60 days of on-site work.  Failure to attain minimum workable hours and days will result in a grade of incomplete (IN), and if not effectively addressed within certain timelines, a failing grade (F).

Classroom and laboratory attendance is considered vital to the learning process and as significant to the students’ evaluation as examinations and reports.

1. Students having a combination of excused and/or unexcused absence of 20 percent or higher for the scheduled course hours are required to withdraw and automatically receive a “RW” (required withdrawal) for the course, regardless of any other evaluation results. (RW is a failing grade.).
2. An excused absence is one that is verified with your instructor. Verification should be prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence. Verification of the absence may take the form of a note from your doctor/College nurse regarding illness, or a note from another instructor regarding a field trip or other activity, or authorization by your instructor. An unexcused absence is anything NOT verified by the instructor prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence.

It is the students’ responsibility to know their own absentee record.

Must follow the normal hours of work as required by the practicum host agency. Must follow absence reporting procedures of the host agency. Failure to meet host company requirements results in F.

Content of Course:
Students work with their immediate supervisors at the workplace to determine a schedule of jobs and tasks to be completed. The practicum host agency shall attempt to provide a diversity of field and/or office work as required to develop applied skills of students in a manner that complements their academic training. The host agency should supervise and evaluate student performance at the end of each practicum and shall meet Occupational Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation regulations and standards. Specific details of student, host agency and college responsibilities and reporting requirements are provided in the Student Practicum Handbook.
Course Assessments:
This is a pass/fail course. Students are required to submit the following to attain a passing grade:

1. Reflections on their practicum experience and progress towards program and practicum goals at regular intervals throughout the practicum.
2. Minimum required hours of practicum work and terms of work placement contractual agreements.
3. A technical paper in one of the following formats:
   • literature review related to a topic from the practicum.
   • research project proposal related to the practicum; or
   • proposal for an initiative related to the practicum; and
4. An on-campus presentation of the technical paper to students, industry partners and college and community members at the end of Practicum II.

The pass/fail grade is not calculated in the GPA.

• Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.  
• “Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”  

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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