Meeting learning objectives in an in-house research placement: results of a student-supervisor duo-ethnography

Abstract

ABSTRACT To address a shortage of social work placements during the COVID-19 pandemic, the first author created a remote in-house research placement providing a third-year undergraduate student with 240 field education hours to count toward a Bachelor of Social Work degree. The primary task was for the student to analyze interview transcripts about the experiences of students and trainers in an online counseling skills workshop. Using a duo-ethnographic method, the findings showed that the student-supervisor relationship was key to the learning, there were challenges in aligning the tasks with the range of learning objectives expected in the program, and several of the expected and unexpected learning outcomes achieved were considered transferable beyond just research skill development. While there were some challenges related to isolation, exhaustion, and self-care, overall this placement was considered to be a success. Recommendations for future research and in-house placements were made.