Social Work Student Evaluation: Format and Method

Abstract

Among the various tasks that field instructors perform, student evaluation is particularly important and often stressful. In a study conducted by the authors, field instructors identified role strain emerging from difficulty with defining evaluation criteria, analyzing student practice, writing the formal evaluation, and helping the student accept the evaluation. In response, the paper offers a model for the content and process of student evaluations. Three evaluatory variables are examined: standards, progress, and patterns. Furthermore, four content areas are discussed: professional practice, use of learning opportunities, job management, and professional impact.