What influences mentors’ satisfaction with social work practical training in Slovenia?

Abstract

Practical training is essential while preparing for a career in social work. The quality of the practical training available depends on the providers, especially mentors in the field (also known as field mentors, instructors or field supervisors, hereafter referred as mentors). The satisfaction of a mentor is not only important for good mentoring but also for making them willing to mentor another social work student. Secondary quantitative data from the Centre of Practical Study at a Faculty of Social Work were obtained and analyzed using linear regression and structural models to answer the research question concerning what influences the satisfaction of mentors. The research showed that mentors are satisfied with the social work practice. Overall satisfaction rises with both the number of motives associated with the school and a better assessment of the student involved. Where satisfaction with elements of practice is an independent variable, overall satisfaction is best explained by satisfaction with the content of the practice, student motivation, self-initiative, and the mentor’s collaboration with the school. Understanding what makes mentors satisfied with a practical placement is important for improving the quality of practical training provided in social work. Satisfaction on a higher level can add to a mentor’s motivation to participate in the training of social work students. The sub-optimal (no financial and other compensation) system of mentoring in social work means that the factors to which social work schools in this area must pay attention are the content of the practice itself and the quality of the students. Key words quantitative research; field supervision; social work practice; social work education; skills teaching