Field Observation and Reflection Paper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Field Observation and Reflection Paper (Core Competency 1, 2, 3, 4)

The purpose of this assignment is to identify and examine differences in socioeconomic levels and access to resources in Louisville, KY; as well as examining services and equity in our communities. 

Students should complete each of the following three activities below over the course of the semester and write a 6-8-page reflection. APA Formatting: 1-inch margins, 12-point font, double spaced, title page, page numbers (top right corner) is required. 

Students should spend at least 1 hour observing in each public place listed below. Students should complete field notes during or as soon as possible after observations as postponing field notes may result in the loss of details, or important information needed for the reflection process. 

Submit these “notes” or “journals” with the final reflection paper and have available for class discussions.

During observation visits, if someone inquires what you are doing, advise them you are completing a field observation exercise for this class. Aim to be as nonintrusive as possible. Find a space to sit or stand so that you do not draw attention to yourself or get in the way of clients/consumers and providers. 

1. Visit 2 grocery stores

a. Major grocery chain i.e., Kroger, Whole Foods (preferably in a more affluent area) b. Discount grocery chain i.e., Sav-A-Lot, Dollar General (preferable in a lower income area)

2. Visit a local public assistance office, public health center, shelter, etc. 

3. Take a ride on public transportation (TARC) (complete an entire route and no, the Cardinal loop from the football stadium does not count)

The reflection paper should cover the following areas:

1. Descriptive information: document factual data you observed

• Describe the physical setting of each site (location, layout, colors, comfort, security, accessibility, etc.)    

• Describe the ethnicity or race of consumers --based on your observation-please do not seek out this information from the person (s)-- or the client population, customers, and the workforce.

• Describe the social environment and the way in which participants interact within the setting. This may include patterns of interactions, frequency of interactions, direction of communication patterns [including non-verbal communication], and patterns of specific behavioral events, such as, service, assistance, conflicts, decision-making, etc.). 

• Compare products, service, and convenience

• Describe the participants and their roles in the setting (clients/consumers, workforce)

2. Reflective information: record your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns as you conduct the observation

• Discuss feelings, impressions, thoughts resulting from the observation • Where do you believe these thoughts and feelings originate?

• What assumptions did you have prior to the observation about the sites or client populations utilizing the services? What was confirmed, challenged or/and surprising? Why?

3. Integration with course content: using what you learned from course readings, videos, and discussions, put the observations in context (make use of references here, including your textbook)

• Discuss the course content (principles, theories, and concepts) used in interpreting your observations, and how they apply?

• Discuss implications for the individuals who must shop at lower end grocers, use public transportation, use public assistance or free clinics. 

• How might clients of these services experience the services? What are some of the impacts or outcomes? 

4. Conclusion: 

• What do you deem to be social justice issues related to what you learned in the field (community) and in the course? (List and discuss at least 2 issues). Reference NASW CODE OF ETHICS

• Provide recommendations that should be considered to improve quality of services and access to resources for marginalized persons and those who are experiencing poverty/living on lower incomes? Reference at least three sources in this section. 

**It is expected you use a specific heading for each item criteria for final paper and follow APA guidelines when formatting and citing sources in your paper.