ERIC Number: EJ1367882
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0884-1233
EISSN: EISSN-1540-7349
How Graduating BSW Students Manage Uncertainty in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Tufford, Lea; Thieu, Vivian; Zhao, Rose
Journal of Teaching in Social Work, v42 n4 p354-370 2022
Professional uncertainty is a feature of generalist social work practice, particularly for students completing their social work education or those new to the profession. This study saw graduating Bachelor of Social Work students (N = 34) engage in a 15-minute interview with a Standardized Client (SC) in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination on a case vignette with the mother of a transgender person. Following the interview, participants responded to structured reflection questions. Responses revealed that almost half (n = 16) the sample disclosed feelings of uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding the clinical issue. Thematic analysis of the responses revealed the following themes: 1. Manifestations of Uncertainty; 2. Strategies to Manage Uncertainty; and 3. Navigating Uncertainty in Future Practice. This paper offers suggestions for social work educators to address students' feelings of uncertainty and lack of knowledge in generalist social work practice.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Bachelors Degrees, Social Work, Performance Based Assessment, Case Method (Teaching Technique), Competence, Student Attitudes, Ambiguity (Context), Clinical Experience, Knowledge Level, Self Efficacy
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A