Practice Makes Perfect: MSW Students Reflect on Skill-Based Teaching Methods in Clinical Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

In this qualitative study, we consider student experiences with and perceptions of teaching methods that are clinical skill-based (e.g., simulation role plays). Focus groups included Master of Social Work students (N = 40) from six universities in the United States. A framework-guided content analysis was used and revealed four discussion areas: (a) classroom-based opportunities for practice observation and feedback, (b) field-based opportunities for practice observation and feedback, (c) other methods such as standardized patient simulations and computer simulations, and (d) attitudes about these methods. Experiences were quite diverse with classroom-based clinical role plays being the most common. Attitudes were generally positive. Student reflections on their experiences yielded several teaching recommendations specific to preparation, the nature of the simulated client role, and feedback.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

This research is supported by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [#AA027546], awarded to Molly Magill.

Notes

¹ Here, we use the terms Latinx or Latine to be inclusive of all gender identities.

² An acronym in motivational interviewing: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Molly Magill

Molly Magill, PhD, is Associate Professor at Brown University, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Providence, RI. Nadine R. Mastroleo, PhD, is Associate Professor at Binghamton University, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY. Alexis Kuerbis, PhD, is Associate Professor at CUNY Hunter, Silberman School of Social Work, New York, NY. Paul Sacco, PhD, is Associate Professor at University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD. Gloria E. Thombs-Cain, PhD, is Assistant Professor at Howard University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Eric F. Wagner, PhD, is Professor at Florida International University, Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL. Mary M. Velasquez, PhD, is Professor at University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX.