Promoting Cognitive Development Through Field Education

ABSTRACT

This article reports results from a study examining the effects of field education on cognitive development. BSW students enrolled in either a semester-long practicum/field seminar or prepracticum courses completed pretest and posttest measures of cognitive complexity to assess cognitive development. Results indicated that field practicum students made significantly higher gains in cognitive complexity than prepracticum students even when controlling for age and ethnicity. The research suggests that field education, that is, working with actual clients under the supervision of more senior members of the profession, and participating in a field seminar course with other social work students have important implications for enhancing cognitive development.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chris Simmons

Chris Simmons is Instructor of Social Work and BRIDGE Healthcare Clinic Faculty at University of South Florida.

Amy K. Fisher

Amy K. Fisher is Assistant Professor of Social Work at University of Mississippi.