Practice educators play a crucial role in social work education. Explore Research in Practice resources to support practice educators and the students they supervise.
As experienced professionals, practice educators provide support, guidance, assessment and supervision for social work students during their practice placements. They support students to link theory and practice, and develop the key knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to meet the professional standards.
Whether you are new to the role or looking to enhance your skills and knowledge, Research in Practice learning resources can be used to support evidence-informed practice in supervision.
Resources to support practice educators
Explore Research in Practice resources that aim to support practice educators, practice supervisors, Assessed and Supported Year in Employment assessors, and other roles with a responsibility for the development of others via reflective supervision.
Blending research evidence, practice wisdom and lived experience, the resources can help you:
- Reflect on your own experiences of supervision and understand how you can use supervision as a space to model the skills and behaviours you want from practitioners.
- Develop skills in observing and assessing practice, giving feedback, holding courageous conversations and reflecting on strengths and areas for development.
- Identify further resources that will support and develop your practice and that of those you supervise.
Research in Practice members can access these by logging in or creating an account.
Practice educator supervision template
Supervision is a key element of practice education. View a template that aims to support practice educators to plan structured sessions with the students that they support. The template can be used to develop a plan for reflective supervision sessions that is adapted and tailored to the needs of individual supervisee.
Reflective supervision: Learning Hub
An open access resource hub to support practice supervisors and middle leaders who are responsible for the practice of others and supports organisations to develop a positive culture of supervision. Resources are relevant to both children's and adults services.
Critical reflection and analysis: Learning Pathway
This Learning Pathway explores why critical reflection and analysis are foundational to effective practice in social care and provides tools and reflective questions to build on your skills and knowledge.
Learning from others - how can we strengthen experiential learning in the workplace? Video learning resources
These videos highlight examples of approaches to supporting development of students on placement, Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) cohorts and more experienced practitioners.