The field instructor should thoroughly prepare the student for the first contacts. Students should be carrying their full complement of work about 8-12 weeks into the semester. In order to learn direct practice skills, students need the opportunity to begin their actual work. Students also need opportunities to work with organizational or community representatives on behalf of their clients. For social administration students this may mean beginning an assignment with a committee.
Some settings require that students attend regular interdisciplinary meetings or seminars.
We recognize the importance of these meetings, but time spent in such activities should not exceed 3-5 hours a week, so that students will have sufficient time for the needed practice experiences. At full workload, students should spend the following range of time in each activity. 4-6 hours Students are to be given the indicated time, and a place at the agency, to complete their weekly recording requirements. Preparation of Students for their Assignments For every assignment it is important to prepare students carefully as they move into each facet of their work. It is assumed that students will be given the needed data to begin the assignment.