On occasion, issues arise in field placements that create learning problems for the student, or teaching problems for the Field Instructor. These may be due to incompatibility of teaching and learning styles, personality conflict, communication breakdown, incompatible expectations, or other factors. Experience has shown that the sooner issues are identified and addressed, the more likely it is that the placement will continue successfully. Conversely, if problems are ignored or discussion of them is delayed, the problems are further exacerbated and the probability of successful resolution is decreased.
In many cases, students and Field Instructors are able to discuss and resolve these issues as part of the educational supervisory process. However, if problems interfere with the progress of the student/Field Instructor relationship or the student’s performance, it is essential that the Field Consultant be contacted immediately. The Field Consultant has the overall responsibility for facilitating the successful completion of the placement for both student and Field Instructor, and can provide assistance with clarifying and addressing the issues. This may include site visits or individual conferences with the student, Field Instructor, or both.
Resolution of difficult issues may require developing a corrective action plan. The Field Consultant should be involved in developing this plan in writing, and it should be signed by student and Field Instructor, attached to the learning agreement, and specifically reviewed in the next written evaluation.
Immediate attention to problems is essential in order to prevent the early termination of the field placement whenever possible. Early placement termination can have many negative consequences for students including disruption of the learning process, their ability to complete course assignments that are often based on field experiences, and their ability to progress along normative timelines for degree conferral. This may result in students receiving an Incomplete grade, and also require them to make up the days during the summer, which could pose a hardship both in commitment of time and additional tuition costs.
Many students who have had difficulties in their field placement later report that they learned important professional lessons that strengthened their ethics, character, fortitude, and integrity. Field Instructors also report this. In social work employment environments, conflicts are expected, and the ability to resolve or cope with them maturely is required.
Conflicts with Peers
On occasions, students may also experience severe conflicts with peers who are also placed at the same agency or are enrolled in the same field integration seminar. When this is the case, the affected students should make every effort to address the conflicts directly, to demonstrate listening, to express perspectives in a non-blaming manner, and to see if differences can be understood, accepted, or resolved. In most cases, students will not be allowed to transfer to another field seminar section or change placements due to interpersonal conflicts. If good faith informal attempts at resolution have not been successful, the affected students may involve their assigned Field Consultant. The Field Consultant will help to assess the situation, provide mediation, if appropriate, and provide guidance and recommendations to the affected students. Students are expected to form and maintain working and professional relationships with one another as colleagues.
Conflicts with Field Consultants
On occasions, students may also experience severe conflicts with their assigned Field Consultant. When this is the case, the affected students and Field Consultant(s) should make every effort to address the conflicts directly, to demonstrate listening, to express perspectives in a non-blaming manner, and to see if differences can be understood, accepted, or resolved. Generally, students are expected to be able to form and maintain a working and professional relationship with their assigned Field Consultant. If good faith informal attempts at resolution have not been successful, the affected students or Field Consultant(s) may involve the Chair of Field Education or other designated Social Welfare MSW Program administrators.