A Study of MSW Students' Interviewing Skills Over Time

Abstract

Using student process recording data, a one-year study of the changes in interviewing and relationship skills of two adjacent cohorts of MSW students (N = 43) found no significant change in skills between first- and second-year students. Additional findings include a statistically significant increase in first-year students' ability to focus on the client by the end of the year and a developmental trend suggesting a decline in second-year students' relationship skills. Findings provide support for field agencies offering second-year students an explicit focus on developing relationship skills and adequate opportunities to practice them.

Key Words:

• MSW student development
• interviewing skills
• relationship skills
• field instruction