Student Social Workers' Experiences of Supervision

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32444/IJSW.2018.79.1.31-54 Given the managerial and austerity crisis in field practice education in South Africa and internationally, the study explored the perceptions of student social workers regarding their experiences of field practice supervision. A questionnaire-based survey was administered to third-year undergraduate social work students attending a South African university. While most students enjoyed positive supervision experiences a small proportion felt that their supervision was inadequate. Challenges included having supervisors not placed at field instruction agencies; differences between agency supervisors’ expectations and those of the university; and poor quality supervision. Findings highlight the responsibility of universities for the screening, training and support of supervisors, and for university personnel to deal timeously with supervisor-supervisee issues.