Initial Impressions and Performance in Field Practica

Abstract

Students' initial impressions of field practica are important because educators try to balance consumer satisfaction with curricular objectives, and because they may motivate students' learning. Do students' initial reactions to their field settings in fact affect their subsequent performance? This study included 69 Master of Social Work students who completed a beginning and advanced field practicum. Two weeks after beginning each practicum, they rated their satisfaction with the practicum, their desire for that type of practicum, and whether their learning goals could be accomplished in that setting. Their initial impressions were not associated with their performance of practice skills at any of three evaluation points during the practicum. However, students with more positive initial impressions were more satisfied at the end of the practicum.

Key Words:

• Field education
• outcome
• student performance
• satisfaction
• attitudes