The streetlight effect: shining a light on assessment of social work students’ capability through practice educator use of direct observation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Direct observation is a method used as part of an assessment of proficiency for pre-qualifying social work practice placements which are an essential part of social work programmes overseen by universities at undergraduate (BASW) and postgraduate level (MSW) in England. Observing practice, which is a part of the process of assessment using the Professional Capabilities Framework domains (TCSW, 2012) has become pivotal for students in their preparation to appreciate the extent of skills and knowledge required to become a social worker. This research offers perspectives from practice educators on their experiences of the observation of practice looking at how it is currently used and its effectiveness at assessing student’s social work practice. Focus groups were held with practice educators to examine the direct observation in more depth. The findings illustrated its vital role in confirming practice abilities and how it was considered to reveal aspects of practice which can only be seen by observing in a real context. It deepened our understanding of how the observation in itself is emotive for both educators and students. It offered new perspectives on its role for dual reflexivity and potential areas for enhancement (Ruch, 2015).