Research Design
This study employs a mixed methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore how participation in the Together We Grow programme helps fieldwork supervisors enhance their competencies, and how these improvements affect the learning and professional skills of social work students.
Quantitative Component:
Pre and Post Supervisory Competency Survey
The Generic Supervision Assessment Tool (GSAT), a validated 26-item survey for social work supervision, will be used to measure supervisory competencies before and after the intervention.
Data Analysis:
- Paired t-tests to identify statistically significant differences
- Cohen's d to calculate the effect size
Post-Practicum Student Survey on Fieldwork
Students will complete a survey after their practicum experience, with a focus on the Supervision Feedback section (Section B) using a 5-point Likert scale.
Data Analysis:
- Mann-Whitney U Test to compare differences between groups
- Effect Size (r) to determine the magnitude of the differences
Qualitative Component:
Post Intervention Interviews
Semi-structured interviews, 30-60 minutes in length, will be conducted with:
- Facilitators (n = 5)
- Participants (n = 10), representing each group (2 participants from 3 groups, 3 participants from 1 group, and 1 participant from 1 group)
Data Analysis:
- Transcription
- Thematic analysis
- Sentence-by-sentence coding
Post-Practicum Student Survey on Fieldwork
The Open-ended Comments section (Section F) of the student survey will be analyzed qualitatively.
Data Analysis:
- Thematic analysis
- Line-by-line coding
In addition, a subgroup analysis will be performed to compare the experiences of new (n = 7) and more experienced (n = 8) supervisors.In addition, a subgroup analysis will be performed to compare the experiences of new (n = 7) and more experienced (n = 8) supervisors.
The mixed methods approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the "Together We Grow" program on supervisory competencies and the subsequent effects on social work students' learning and professional skills.
