Engaging students in practice learning through a model of group supervision

Authors

  • Jayne Howie
  • Jill MacSporran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v10i1.240

Keywords:

Practice learning, group supervision, focused activities

Abstract

Group learning is established as a productive way to educate and socialise social work students. The University of the West of Scotland has developed a small scale practice learning centre and a model of group supervision, to assist our students in assessed practice. This paper examines this method of learning, the students’ experience and their perceptions.

Our evaluation confirms that when group management processes are employed and students are involved in focused activities, this is a productive method of learning. Group supervision encourages students to think analytically, developing competence and confidence, and provides opportunity for an exchange of ideas which develop reflective skills.

Central to success is a programme which fits with the students’ stage of learning and practice teachers who attend to the learning environment, group process and dynamics. Providing these characteristics are in place and when used along with individual supervision, group supervision can offer students a richer learning environment.

References

Adams, R. Dominelli, L, and Payne, M. (2009) <i>Critical Practice in Social Work</i> (2nd ed.), Basingstoke: Plagrave MacMillan\nBamford, D. and McVicker, H. (1999) Group approaches within social work education and training. <i>Issues in Social Work Education</i> 19, 35-54\nBehroozi, C. (1993). A Model for social work with involuntary applicants. <i>groups. Social Work with Groups Journal</i>, 15, 223-238\nBenson, J (2010) <i>Working More Creatively with Groups</i>. (3rd ed.). London: Routledge\nBernard, J.M and Goodyear, R.K. (1998) Fundamentals of clinical supervision. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon\nBogo, M, Globerman, J., and Sussman, T. (2004) Field instructor competence in group supervision. <i>Journal of Teaching in Social Work</i> 24, 199-216\nBrookfield, S. D. (1987) <i>Developing Critical Thinkers</i>. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass\nDepartment for Educations (2009) <i>Building a Safe, Confident Future: The final report of the Social Work Task Force</i>. Runcorn: Department for Education\nDoel, M (2006) <i>Using Groupwork</i>. London: Routledge\nGovernment Publications (2009) <i>Children, Schools and Families Committee-Seventh Report. Training of children and families social workers</i>. London House of Commons\nHawkins, P. and Shohet, R. (1989) <i>Supervision in the Helping Professions. An Individual, group and organisational approach</i>. Milton Keynes: Open University Press\nKadushin, A. (1992) What’s wrong what’s right with social work supervision? <i>The Clinical Supervisior</i> 10, 3-19\nKadushin, A. and Harkness, D. (2002) <i>Supervision in Social Work</i>. Chichester: Columbia University Press\nKolb, D. (1984) <i>Experiential Learning as The Science of Learning Development</i>. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall\nKonopka, G. (1963) <i>Social Group Work: A Helping Process</i>, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Prentice Hall\nLord Laming (2009) <i>The Protection of Children in England Report</i>. London: TSO\nLindsay, T. (2008) An investigation of group learning on practice placements. The <i>Higher Education Academy: Social Policy and Social Work</i> (SWAP)\nMezirow, J. (1981) A critical theory adult learning and education. <i>Adult Education</i> 32, 3-24\nMezirow, J. (2000) <i>Learning as Transformation: Critical perspectives on a theory in progress</i>, San Francisco: Jossey Bass\nPreston-Shoot, M. (2007) <i>Effective Groupwork</i>, (2nd ed.) Basingstoke: Palgrave\nRamsden, P. (1992) <i>Learning to Teach in Higher Education</i>. London: Routledge,\nRobson, C. (2000) <i>Small scale evaluation. Principles and practice</i>. London, Sage\nSarantakos, S. (2005) <i>Social Research</i> (3rd ed.) Basingstoke: Palgrave\nSchon, D. (1987) <i>Educating the Reflective Practitioner</i>. San Francisco: Jossey- Bass\nScottish Executive, (2004) <i>Confidence in Practice Learning</i>, Edinburgh, Scottish Executive\nScottish Executive (2006) <i>Report of the 21st Century Social Work Review, Changing lives</i>, Edinburgh: Scottish Executive\nWalker, J., Crawford, K., and Parker, J. (2008) <i>Practice Education in Social Work- A handbook for practice teachers, assessors and educators</i>. Exeter: Learning Matters\nWhittaker, A. (2009) <i>Research Skills for Social Work</i>. Exeter: Learning Matters\n

Downloads

Published

2012-12-20

How to Cite

Howie, J., & MacSporran, J. (2012). Engaging students in practice learning through a model of group supervision. The Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 10(1), 27-44. https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v10i1.240

Issue

Section

Articles