The design and development of teaching resources for the purpose of demonstrating aspects of clinical supervision: Developing the on-line community of learners

Abstract

This article describes the production of an on-line teaching resource depicting four phases of clinical supervision designed for a national post graduate programme for allied health professionals. Realistic audio visual depictions of clinical supervision introduce students to the relational aspects of clinical supervision as a learning forum. One of the difficulties of introducing students to the process of clinical supervision is that there is a tension between producing a ‘one size fits all’ approach for a group of students of diverse cultures and backgrounds. In the Aotearoa New Zealand context, this tension is evident when Maori and Pacific Island students ask questions about practice in a predominantly European (Pakeha) health system. To respond to these challenges, a more realistic depiction of the process of supervision and the ambiguities inherent in the relationship is needed. However, the tertiary educator in producing social work takes place risks portraying a stereotype rather than an authentic scenario that is true in the individual student’s experience.

One solution to resolve this dilemma is to adopt a design based on Anderson’s (2004) online ‘community of inquiry’ model and McLoughlin’s (1999) ‘culturally responsive technology use’. Adapting these models to on-line delivery involves the integration of culturally specific values and styles into the design and delivery of on-line resources. Consultation with community, clinicians and service-users provides the raw materials for establishing the development of resources to meet the learning needs of the wider student group which includes Maori, Pacific Island students and mature aged students who practice in a range of diverse settings. The use of such resources encourages critical reflection on the process of clinical supervision by accurately modelling central aspects of the supervisory process, the interpersonal dynamics of the relationship as well as aspects of the practice environment.