Evaluation of the student's performance in the placement agency by the Field Instructor is an on-going process through which the student receives continual assessment of their performance. Formal evaluations of the student's performance occur at mid-point and conclusion of each placement. During the Foundation-Generalist and Specialized-Advanced placements, both the student and the Field Instructor complete written evaluations at mid-term and one to two weeks prior to the end of the placement. All evaluation documentation is completed within ELC.
It is imperative that the Field Instructor notifies the Faculty Field Liaison by the mid-point of the placement if there is any indication that the student's performance is less than satisfactory. In most instances where performance has been marginal, it is expected that discussions between Faculty Field Liaison, Field Instructor (and Site Supervisor if applicable), and student will have occurred before the formal evaluation.
During any evaluative process, students are expected to participate actively in the discussion. Should disagreements occur, the student has the right to submit a written appeal, to be attached to the Field Instructor's evaluation and included in the student's user profile.
a) Evaluating Student Performance
Evaluation of student performance is integral to the instructional and supervisory process. To alleviate student anxiety, it is beneficial to discuss the evaluation conference and expectations. Close supervision ensures accurate performance evaluation, but students should also learn to self-assess their growth, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Honest and balanced feedback is crucial for professional development. Field supervisors should provide candid, objective feedback during site visits, including positive comments and constructive critique. The Pass/Fail grading system encourages open discussion of student performance and addresses elements not easily translated into letter grades.
Before submitting the evaluation to the Faculty Field Liaison, the Field Instructor and Site Supervisor (if applicable) sign the evaluation. The Faculty Field Liaison then reviews the evaluation and assigns a pass or fail grade. Students have the right to appeal the final grade as per WVU's Student Conduct Code.
Midterm Field Assessment Criteria:
Students are expected to demonstrate significant progress towards competency by the midpoint of their field placement. It is to be expected that some competencies are harder to master and that students will progress at different rates on each competency. In order to demonstrate that students are progressing towards competency, midterm field assessments ratings should average at 2.5 or higher. Midterm assessments averaging less than a 2.5 average may indicate that a student is not making satisfactory progress and will require further discussion between Field Instructor and Field Faculty Liaison; this may result in a non-passing grade.
Final Field Assessment Criteria:
Students are expected to demonstrate competency in all 9 competencies and all practice behaviors by the culmination of their field placement. In order to demonstrate competency and earn a passing grade, students must achieve a minimum rating of ‘3’ (Developing Competency with Assistance – Student demonstrates inconsistent competency with this behavior and thus requires assistance and/or coaching.) in each practice behavior.
b) Grading Policy
Because performance in field instruction is a critical indicator of the student's readiness to assume professional responsibilities, and field instruction is a major formal requirement, SSW faculty will only grant academic credit to students whose course work meets minimum acceptability standards. Students must earn a Pass grade for both Foundation-Generalist and Specialized-Advanced placements in field instruction in order to complete candidacy for the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work degrees, respectively.
Field Education is graded on a pass/fail basis. Students must achieve passing ratings on field evaluations and must demonstrate satisfactory participation in the field experience courses. Attendance of field seminar courses is part of professionalism and regular attendance and participation is expected. Students should see their course syllabi for specific attendance policies.
Online students will complete field experience course content in online courses.
To earn a passing grade in a Field Experience courses, students must complete the following:
- Completed the assigned field Learning Contract.
- Completed the required field hours for the appropriate section, either SOWK 491, SOWK 581 or SOWK 682.
- Completed/attended all field experience course assignments, earning a minimum of 80% of course points.
- Completed and submitted the assigned Time Reports.
- Achieved satisfactory ratings on Field Assessments.
Field Experience Course Expectations
Course participation expectations include the following:
- Participation in discussions and exercises.
- Timely completion of all assignments.
- Being prepared for discussion of assigned weekly topics, which includes bringing examples from field placement to facilitate discussion.
- Responding to questions posed during sessions.
- Asking relevant questions.
- Being a respectful listener when others are speaking.
- Being a respectful user of technology and adhering to technology policies.
- Using respectful language appropriate to a professional academic setting.
- Respectfully presenting alternative views to those raised by class readings, other students, or the professor.
- Making comments that encourage other speakers.
- Offering comments that clarify or summarize ongoing class discussion.
- Making contributions which demonstrate connections you discover between material in field, courses and other experiences you have encountered.
c) Student Site Visits
While students are completing their field education experience, Faculty Field Liaisons will complete at least one site visit with the student and their field supervisors. This is an opportunity to discuss the student’s comfort in the agency, progress toward learning contract goals and hour requirements, and any challenges or issues being experienced. Site visits may be completed in person or virtually (Zoom, Skype, Facetime, etc.), and should include the student, Faculty Field Liaison, Field Instructor (onsite or external), and the Site Supervisor if applicable to the student’s supervision arrangement.
Site visits may be completed at any point during the field experience and are documented in ELC by the Faculty Field Liaison. Additional visits may be made any time a need is identified by any participant.
Site Visit Frequency:
- 1 site visit during the Foundation-Generalist placement
- Up to 2 visits during the Specialized-Advanced placement, one each semester
- At the request of the field instructor, or faculty field liaison
d) Evaluation of Placement Site, Field Supervisors & Field Process
At the end of the placement, students are encouraged to complete a confidential online evaluation of the placement site, their Field Instructor, Site Supervisor (if applicable), and of their overall learning experience in the placement. The Field Office uses this feedback to inform future placements, ensure that appropriate supervision has been provided, and to improve the field placement processes.