Usefulness of an e-Simulation in improving social work student knowledge of best-practice questions

ABSTRACT

Computer-based simulations provide an opportunity for social work students to learn effective communication skills that sit at the core of social work practice. The current study describes a best practice interviewing protocol that promotes the use of open-ended questions (i.e. that elicit elaborate responses without dictating expected content) taught using a computer-generated child avatar. Utilising a mixed method design, quantitative analysis showed social work students (N = 25) who undertook a 3-hour training session showed improvements from baseline to post-training. There was a significant increase in open-ended questions and a concomitant decrease in poorly structured (closed) questions. Thematic analysis (N = 39) of participant feedback on the training supported students’ understanding that open-ended questions are key to eliciting detailed information. Students were positive about the use of technology and its place in social work education, highlighting its realism and the absence of risk to clients while learning. Evidence of emerging reflective practice and understanding of the self when engaging with technology-based education is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Investigative interviewing
• avatars
• training
• online
• child abuse
• social work education

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the social work students who supported this research through participation in the online training, and Drs Mairi Benson and Belinda Guadagno for case study coding.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Although some differences and additional entry requirements exist, Australian universities that offer a Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying/Qualifying) provide a 2-year full-time degree available to students holding an undergraduate bachelor’s degree generally, but not limited to, areas such as human services, community services, social science, psychology, Australian Indigenous or Aboriginal studies, or public or community health, education, law.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sharon Casey

Sharon Casey (PhD) is a Research Fellow within the Centre for Investigative Interviewing. Her core research and interests include victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse, children’s wellbeing, and the impact of interpersonal violence.

Martine B. Powell

Martine B. Powell (PhD) is a Professor at Griffith University and Founding Director of the Centre for Investigative Interviewing (a major research and training hub which assists professionals to improve their skills in investigative interviewing of vulnerable witnesses).