The Power of Mutual Aid in the Educational Process: A Seminar for New Field Instructors of Trainees

ABSTRACT

The promotion of mutual aid has special value to seminars for new supervisors of trainees. Sharing the benefits, potential strains, and demands in the assumption of this role facilitates a smooth progression toward increased professional competence. This socialization process is enhanced by the provision of adequate support through the processes of mutual aid. Challenges and obstacles to mutual aid in these seminars relate to the intrinsic difficulties regarding fears of discomfort and exposure, desire for an expert to emerge, and challenges in maintaining a balance between didactic teaching methods and mediation of group processes that promote mutuality, collaboration, and reciprocity. Illustrations provide guidance to seminar facilitators, create a foundation for understanding these processes, and promote recognition of opportunities for the enhancement and maximization of mutual aid.

KEYWORDS:

• Mutual aid
• peer group supervision
• seminar in field instruction
• social work education

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

A version of this article was presented at the 24th Association for the Advancement of Social Work With Groups, Inc. (AASWG), International Symposium of Social Work With Groups “Think Group: Strength and Diversity in Group Work,” New York City, October 17, 2002.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeanne Bertrand Finch

Jeanne Bertrand Finch, DSW, MSW, LCSW-R, is associate clinical professor, assistant dean, graduate program director, and director of the student-community development specialization at the School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University, State University of New York. She teaches Foundation and Advanced Social Work Practice, Student-Community Development Seminar, Community Building in Higher Education, Social Work with Children, and the Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI). She has worked in the field of child welfare in both the United States and England and is coauthor of Learning to Teach, Teaching to Learn (2005), CSWE Press.

Beverly Feigelman

Beverly Feigelman, MSW, LCSW-R, CASAC, is adjunct professor, faculty liaison, field instructor, and former assistant director Field Education Department, Adelphi University School of Social Work. She teaches the Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) as well as Advanced Social Work Practice With Groups. She is chair of the Long Island Chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work With Groups, Inc., and a co-facilitator for LI Survivors of Suicide. She also maintains a private psychotherapy and consultation practice in Jamaica Estates, Queens.