Standardized Clients in the Classroom: A Novel Instructional Technique for Social Work Educators

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to test the effectiveness and acceptability of using standardized clients (SCs) to provide social work students with opportunities to practice assessment skills prior to contact with real clients. Method: Effectiveness was examined utilizing a 3-year nonequivalent control group design in the same master of social work mental health course. In Year 1, the no-intervention control group, SCs were not included in classroom instruction. In Years 2 and 3, instruction included SCs in the classroom. For pretest and posttest, each student independently conducted a 30-minute videotaped assessment and treatment planning interview with an SC. Videotape raters were blind to pretest/posttest, experimental/control status. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests showed that the three groups were similar at entry into the program (pretest). These hypotheses were partially supported: Students exposed to SCs (Years 2 and 3) improved over the baseline usual role-play Year 1 students. Conclusions: Standardized clients can provide unique experiential learning opportunities that would be difficult to achieve in any other way. SCs provided an opportunity to control the content of case presentations, oversee the interaction of students with a range of client types, and evaluate students' skill acquisition.Social work education aims to create competent practitioners who understand social work values and theory and know how to put them into practice. Role-play has evolved over the years to provide students with opportunities for development and rehearsal of their skills in the safety of the classroom. 364

15. Considering the Use of Standardized Clients in Professional Social Work Education

“…Standardized clients can be utilized as both a training and evaluation tool which allows students to think critically about themselves as well as the client. Lastly, Badger and MacNeil (2002) state that students and instructors perceive the use of standardized clients as an effective educational tool. Moreover, the authors report the cost of standardized clients as being relatively low for an educational tool that can enhance an individual's assessment and practice skills.…”

“…When examining the implementation of standardized clients, Badger and MacNeil (2002) identify several educational advantages. Using standardized clients presents an opportunity to expose students to a wide spectrum of clients and issues which may not be encountered during field placements.…”

“…Current social work curriculums often foster communication and assessment skills through Introduction the use of standardized clients or peer facilitated role plays (Badger & MacNeil, 2002;Petracchi & Collins, 2006;Rogers & Welch, 2009;Todd, 2011). Standardized clients are trained individuals who portray various characteristics within simulated counselling sessions (Badger & MacNeil, 2002;Petracchi & Collins, 2006;Todd, 2011). Badger and MacNeil (2002) define standardized clients as "nonprofessionals who are trained to take on the full spectrum of characteristics of an assigned client case" (p. 365).…”

“…In order to increase clinical skills amongst students, simulated exercises are often required (Lane, Slavin, & Ziv, 2001). Current social work curriculums often foster communication and assessment skills through Introduction the use of standardized clients or peer facilitated role plays (Badger & MacNeil, 2002;Petracchi & Collins, 2006;Rogers & Welch, 2009;Todd, 2011). Standardized clients are trained individuals who portray various characteristics within simulated counselling sessions (Badger & MacNeil, 2002;Petracchi & Collins, 2006;Todd, 2011).…”

“…Standardized clients are trained individuals who portray various characteristics within simulated counselling sessions (Badger & MacNeil, 2002;Petracchi & Collins, 2006;Todd, 2011). Badger and MacNeil (2002) define standardized clients as "nonprofessionals who are trained to take on the full spectrum of characteristics of an assigned client case" (p. 365). Furthermore, Todd (2011) reports that "standardized clients are traditionally lay persons who are trained to realistically simulate physical signs, emotions and affect, symptoms, and behaviors while working from a character sketch or script" (p. 2).…”