Field Placement and the Impact of Financial Stress on Social Work and Human Service Students

ABSTRACT

While significant research has been undertaken exploring the pedagogical benefits of undertaking lengthy social work and human services field placements, there has been very little consideration given to the potential financial stress involved for students. This study sought to address this knowledge gap. Research was conducted in 2014 using quantitative and qualitative methods with students and academic and professional staff from six Queensland universities. The findings show a significant relationship between unpaid placements and financial hardship, creating considerable stress for students and at times a compromised placement learning experience. The limited flexibility in requirements from professional bodies and universities for how placements are undertaken has been identified as a key contributor to financial hardship. Addressing the complexities inherent in this issue requires a collaborative effort from multiple stakeholders and should not be regarded as a problem for students to endure and manage.

进行长期的社会工作以及人类服务的田野实践，其教育上的好处已研究得相当充分了。但很少有人关注这会给学生带来多大的经济压力。本文试图填补这一知识的空白。我们在2014年同昆士兰州六所大学的学生及教职人员用定量和定性方法进行了研究。研究发现在无薪工作与经济困难之间有着显著关联，给学生带来了相当的压力，造成学业上的折扣。专业机构及大学过于僵化的要求也造成了学生的经济困难。这个问题的内在复杂性需要众多相关方联手解决，而不是让学生去单独承受和周旋。

KEYWORDS:

• Social Work
• Students
• Financial Hardship
• Field Education
• Placement

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Australian Collaborative Education Network.