Developing an online, accessible website resource for field educators Social Work Interactive Supervision Support (SWISS) Anna Spencer and Dr Fotina Hardy QUT School of Public Health and Social Work Field Education Unit This project was made possible through funding from Health Workforce Australia an Australian Government Initiative Queensland University of Technology CICOS CICOS No. 00213J No. 00213J
Background to SWISS ecognising the growing complexity and dynamic nature of the placement experience for students and supervisors. Need to respond to field educators feelings of isolation, embarrassment, lack of time, lack of confidence, need for information and frameworks for dealing with complex issues as part of their role of field educator. CICOS No. 00213J
Field supervision: a complex responsibility underpinning the social work approach to field education is that a constructive supervisory relationship between the field educator and student is essential for a successful experience (Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2012, p6). CICOS No. 00213J
Five functions of student supervision... In addition to normal work responsibilities Education (doing, thinking, reflecting) Socialisation for professional identity (being) Support (thriving) Negotiation (mediating/advocating systems and relationships) Administration/management (knowing the workplace) (Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2012 p. 11). CICOS No. 00213J
But..reality check Time poor supervisors Organisational demands Isolation Confidence to supervise Lack of immediate support Increased complexity of contexts and students CICOS No. 00213J
Our response?? Using interactive technology to create an online platform to facilitate access to an online resource and tools to support field educators in addressing the complexities involved in student supervision. Using a mix of the vast practice wisdom from the field and research. CICOS No. 00213J
Project outcomes Provide a sustainable, meaningful, responsive and dynamic resource for field educators Develop a framework of ethical supervision decision making to assist supervisors in dealing with the complexities experienced as part of supervision. Develop a resource training tool of advanced supervision available to field educators through an accessible on line / blended learning resource. CICOS No. 00213J
Developing SWISS 1. Identification of the existing models of supervision available through a literature review. These are captured in the website 2. Consultation and collaboration with a group of critical friends to ensure the project was informed by field educators and drew on the collective wisdom in the field involving: Focus groups with field educators and students to identify key issues, needs and key strategies currently being used to draw on the existing collective wisdom available Individual interviews with field educators and students Identifying real life experiences and stories what worked and didn t work for field educators and students alike, tools and tips used by Field Educators that could be shared, common issues and complexities CICOS No. 00213J
Consultation process: field educators Sixteen (16) detailed conversational interviews were conducted to inform the design and content. Five small targeted discussion groups students from culturally diverse backgrounds Three (3) larger group discussions were held, with an average of six eight (6-8) participants in each. The project was presented and discussed at the Supervisors Introduction Workshops for Summer Semester 2012-13 and Semester 1 2013. A feedback forum held to show field educators and navigate through the test site. This provided an opportunity to gain feedback on the look, feel and usability of the site and any critique before final editing and submission. CICOS No. 00213J
Consultation process: Students Student s views were captured using a combination of group meeting, individual interview and email correspondence; in-depth conversations and informal comment. In-depth discussions were held with graduating students to identify their key insights into their experiences of being supervised in placement. These sessions were all of class discussions plus targeted group conversations with particular students. There were three targeted group conversations with a total participation of twenty students. Thirteen (13) individual interviews were undertaken. A number of students also elected to have a say via email and phone interview. All involvement was voluntary. All content remains confidential. CICOS No. 00213J
Key consultation themes Themes Easy access to information that is inviting Information targeted to first time and experienced supervisors Practice language minimal academic language Embedded in real practice situations Site design response Site designed through a series of clicks from general topic introduction to sub topics, linking to information SWISS has begun its life with a focus on the new supervisor, capacity exists for addition of greater levels of complexity and resources Content is written in simple and clear language wherever possible. Links are made to key resources and references. The stories and insights gained through the consultations have been used to provide examples of real practice applications. CICOS No. 00213J
Key Consultation themes Themes A dynamic site that can be added to and changed as other ideas and practices, research emerge. Internet Access no pass words Insight into what the students are learning at University before, during and after placement. One stop shop for placement information. Site design response The site has multiple opportunities for supervisors to provide feedback and make contributions. The site will be hosted by the QUT Field Education Unit and updated on a regular basis. Although a QUT sponsored site, the site will be accessible through the internet, with no passwords required. There are links to all the relevant social work and human services degrees and course materials. QUT social work and human service manuals and information are accessible on site and can be down loaded. Important dates, newsletters and other relevant information to appear on front page for ease of access. Site enhanced with photos and video. CICOS No. 00213J
SWISS http://www.swiss.qut.edu.au/ CICOS No. 00213J
Final words The site continues to develop and evolve Feedback positive useful, contributions being made, less camera shy. go to website for QUT Field Ed Continuing to build the collaboration Showcasing research across Uni s Training information Link to field education developments Add value and build the knowledge base of Field Education. CICOS No. 00213J