The use of video in residential social work staff development

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article describes the authors' experiences using video in staff development with a group drawn from two residential units for children. The authors' approach draws on the microteaching model, as well as on their experiences in two experimental situations with social work students. A description of the planning of the training sessions, the authors' intentions, and the expectations of staff members, is followed by a summary of the content of the sessions. An evaluation with the aid of a short questionnaire suggests that most staff found it a useful and enjoyable experience; although staff from one unit found the video equipment less useful than their colleagues, probably due to more hesitant participation. The equipment appeared to enhance learning in the areas of self-presentation and assertiveness. A tighter structure and more time would have enabled considerably more progress to have been made. Conclusions are drawn from this experience which will, it is hoped, be of interest to others inv...