Improving outcomes for ‘failing’ students through the use of presentations

Abstract

Over recent years there has been an increasing use of presentations for students who are struggling in, or have failed a practice placement on the qualifying social work programmes. This has often been set up following the student having attended a practice consultation panel at the request of member of the students' placement team. The presentations are aimed at improving the students' understanding of the issues that have led to their difficulties on placement and are therefore specific to that student. Some students have been asked to prepare just one presentation whilst others have been given up to 4 titles. The experience of the university placement team, and the practice agencies that offer a repeat placement is that it has led to an improvement in the outcome for many students as this has led to greater understanding of issues and therefore preparation for the repeat placement. Some of the students concerned have chosen at the end of the process of undertaking presentations that they will not complete the professional award and this decision has been clearer and based on better quality evidence and thinking. This paper considers the process, outcomes and potential gains of this system.