Examination by triangulation: A model for practice teaching

Abstract

Problems in measuring students' practice abilities are briefly described. A model of examining the competence of students on placements is described. A brief example of how the model might work in practice is offered.

A small scale project that involved citizens in the education of social work students during their placement in Northern Ireland

“…This pays testimony to the importance of using this medium in the educational lives of students. These positive fi ndings are also refl ected by Edwards, 2004;Croft and Beresford, 1997;Mayer and Timms, 1970;Brandon and Davies, 1979;Wikler, 1979;Furness, 1988;Baird, 1990;Shardlow and Doel, 1993;and Shenan 1998) who state that involving citizens in practice learning has overwhelmingly positive outcomes in a variety of areas associated with practice learning. Findings further supported by (Renon and Jayce, 1993;Fisher, 1989;Cheetham et al, 1992;and McDonald et al, 1992) who state that when citizens' views are incorporated into the design, delivery and evaluation of services, that these services are better suited to meeting the needs of the public.…”

“…Edwards (2004) and Croft and Beresford (1997) identify the starting point as the work of Mayer and Timms (1970). Edwards also identifi es developmental studies in this area such as Brandon and Davies (1979), Wikler (1979), Furniss (1988, Baird (1990), Shardlow and Doel (1993), Croft and Beresford (1997), Shenan (1998), Fisher (1983), andPhillips (1983), all of whom state that involving citizens in the education of students has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the students.…”

The involvement of service users in the assessment of Diploma in Social Work students on practice placements

“…There was some material based on the expression of how satisfied service users were with various aspects of the DipSW student's performance (Fisher, 1983;Phillips, 1983). The literature review did, however, reveal some good material concerning the rationale for seeking service user feedback (Rees & Wallace, 1982;Shardlow & Doel, 1993;Evans, 1997;Shennan, 1998), and the distinction between appraisal and examination within the assessment process (Brandon & Davies, 1979;Shardlow & Doel, 1996). However, there was a real shortage of recent specific literature related to the involvement of service users in the assessment of DipSW students.…”

“…There were no views that diverged from this. The use of observations of practice as a focus for this activity provides the opportunity to compare the view of the practice teacher and service user on the same practice episode, and thereby becomes an example of triangulation of evidence (Shardlow & Doel, 1993;Shennan, 1998).…”

“…The literature on the subject of service user involvement in the assessment of social work students on practice placements has been developing since the influential study on assessment by Brandon and Davies (1979). This theme has been developed by Wikler (1979), Furniss (1988), Baird (1990), Shardlow and Doel (1993), Croft and Beresford (1997) and Shennan (1998).…”