Social Work Students’ Self-Efficacy Toward Direct Practice Skills in Field Education Using Virtual Simulations and Scripted Role Plays

Authors

  • Annie J. Keeney San Diego State University
  • Amanda Lee San Diego State University
  • Sarah Jayyousi California State University San Marcos
  • Jimmy A. Young California State University San Marcos
  • Jeannine Guarino California State University San Marcos
  • Katie B. Turner San Diego State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/24929

Keywords:

self-efficacy, direct practice skills, Social work students, COVID-19, simulations, scripted peer role plays, virtual environments

Abstract

Simulations with professional actors and scripted role plays with peers are effective methods to increase direct practice skills. However, little is known about how simulations or scripted role plays conducted virtually can influence social work students' practice self-efficacy. MSW students enrolled in field seminar courses across two universities were invited to participate in an exploratory, repeated measures assessment utilizing the Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales (CASES). One university (n=100) implemented the use of standardized clients, played by professional actors within field seminar; the other university (n=61) implemented scripted, peer-led role plays. Significant differences were found in pre/post scores among MSW students that participated in simulated client experiences within their field seminar. Simulations and scripted peer role plays may need to be more integrated into social work curricula when opportunities for in-person direct practice skill development are limited due to hybrid or fully remote field placements. Applied learning in social work education must be re-envisioned so programs can prepare MSW students to be effective practitioners in today’s rapidly changing environment.

Author Biography

Katie B. Turner, San Diego State University

School of Theatre, Television, and Film

San Diego State University

References

Allemang, B., Dimitropoulos, G., Collins, T., Gill, P., Fulton, A., McLaughlin, A., Ayala, J., Blaug, C., Judge-Stasiak, A., & Letkemann, L. (2021). Role plays to enhance readiness for practicum: Perceptions of graduate & undergraduate social work students. Social Work Education: The International Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2021.1957735

Bagheri, E., Wan Jaafar, W. M., & Baba, M. (2011). Reliability analysis of the Counselor Activity Self Efficacy Scale (CASES) in a Malaysian Context: A preliminary study. Procedia- Social and Behavioral Sciences, 30, 871-875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.169

Bhattacharjee, S. (2014). Proceedings from the 50th ASC Annual International Conference: Effectiveness of role playing as a pedagogical approach in construction education. Associated Schools of Construction. http://ascpro0.ascweb.org/archives/cd/2014/paper/CERT199002014.pdf

Bobbit, L. M., Inks, S. A., Kemp, K. J., & Mayo, D. T. (2001). Integrating marketing courses to enhance team-based experiential learning. Journal of Marketing Education, 22(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/0273475300221003

Bogo, M., Rawlings, M., Katz, E., & Logie, C. (2014). Using simulation in assessment and teaching: OSCE adapted for social work. Council on Social Work Education [CSWE] Press.

CSWE. (2015). Educational policy and accreditation standards for baccalaureate and master’s social work programs. Commission on Educational Policy and the CSWE Commission on Accreditation. https://www.cswe.org/getattachment/Accreditation/Standards-and Policies/2015EPAS/2015EPASandGlossary.pdf.aspx

Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Cummings, S. M., Foels, L., & Chaffin, K. M. (2012). Comparative Analysis of Distance Education and Classroom-based Formats for a Clinical Social Work Practice Course. Social Work Education: The International Journal, 32(1), 68-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2011.648179

Elmore, L. B. (2021). Why use active learning? Role play. Harvard University, ablconnect. https://ablconnect.harvard.edu/role play-research

Fulton, A. E., Dimitropoulos, G.., Ayala J., McLaughlin, A. M., Baynton, M., Blaug, C., Collins, T., Elliott, G., Judge-Stasiak, A., Letkemann, L & Ragan, E. (2019). Role playing: A strategy for practicum preparation for foundation year MSW students. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 39(2), 163-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841233.2019.1576573

Goldingay, S., Epstein, S., & Taylor, D. (2018). Simulating social work practice online with digital storytelling: Challenges and opportunities. Social Work Education: The International Journal, 37(6), 790-803. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2018.1481203

Hargreaves, R., & Hadlow, J. (1997). Role play in social work education: Process and framework for a constructive and focused approach. Social Work Education: The International Journal, 16(3), 61-73. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479711220241

Hitchcock, L. I., & Young, J. A. (2016). Tweet tweet! Using live Twitter chats in social work education. Social Work Education: The International Journal, 35(4), 457-468. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2015.1136273

Holden, G., Barker, K., Kuppens, S., & Rosenberg, G. (2017). Self-efficacy regarding social work competencies. Research on Social Work Practice, 27(5), 594-604. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1049731515586466

Issenberg, S. B., & McGaghie, W. C. (2013). Looking to the future. In W. C. McGaghie (Ed.), International best practices for evaluation in the health professions (pp. 341-359). Radcliffe. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781846198557-16

Jones, V., & Conner, L. R. (2021). Measuring social work students reflective learning through role play and writing. Social Work Education: The International Journal, 40(7), 861-871. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2020.1729721

Kettula, K., & Berghall, S. (2013). Drama-based role play: A tool to supplement work-based learning in higher education. Journal of Workplace Learning, 25(8), 556-575. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-04-2012-0036

Kourgiantakis, T., Hu, R., Ramsundarsingh, S., Lung, Y., & West, K. J. (2021). Teaching note— Virtual practice FRIDAYS: responding to disruptions caused by the covid-19 pandemic in the Field and Classroom. Journal of Social Work Education, 57(sup1) 111-119. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2021.1932651

Kourgiantakis, T., Sewell, K. M., Hu, R., Logan, J., & Bogo, M. (2020). Simulation in social work education: A scoping review. Research on Social Work Practice, 30(4), 433-450. http://doi.org/10.1177/1049731519885015

Lee, E. O. (2014). Use of avatars and a virtual community to increase cultural competence. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 32, 93-107. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2013.860364

Lee, E., Kourgiantakis, T., & Bogo, M. (2020). Translating knowledge into practice: Using simulation to enhance mental health competence through social work education. Social Work Education: The International Journal, 39(3), 329-349. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2019.1620723

Lent, R. W., Hill, C. E., & Hoffman, M. A. (2003). Development and validation of the counselor activity self-efficacy scales. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 50(1), 97-108. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.50.1.97

Lent, R. W. (2020, December). CASE Scale [Available from author].

Menon, S. E., Lucas, V., & Robbins, S. P. (2021). Trial by fire: Innovative approaches and evaluation of course transition during COVID-19. Journal of Social Work Education, 57(4), 784-795. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2021.1957738

Motola, I., Devine, L. A., Chung, H. S., Sullivan, J. E., & Issenberg, S. B. (2013). Simulation in healthcare education: A best evidence practical guide [MEE Guide No. 82]. Medical Teacher, 35, e1511-e1530. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2013.818632

Osborne, V. A., Benner, K., Sprague, D. J., & Cleveland, I. N. (2016). Simulating real life: Enhancing social work education on alcohol screening and brief intervention. Social Work Education, 52(3), 337-346. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2016.1174629

Petracchi, H. E. (1999). Using professionally trained actors in social work role playing simulations. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 24(4), 61-69.

Petracchi, H. E., & Collins, K. S. (2006). Utilizing actors to simulate clients in social work student role plays, Journal of Teaching Social Work, 26(1/2), 223-233. https://doi.org/10.1300/J067v26n01_13

Phillips, E. S., Wood, G. J., Yoo, J., Ward, K. J., Hsiao, S. C., Singh, M. I., & Morris, B. (2018). A virtual field practicum: Building core competencies prior to agency placement. Journal of Social Work Education, 54(4), 620-640. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2018.1486651

Rizzo, A., Koenig, S. T., & Talbot, T. B. (2019). Clinical results using virtual reality. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 37(1), 51-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2019.1604292

Rosa, J. A. (2012). Marketing education for the next four billion: Challenges and innovations. Journal of Marketing Education, 34(1), 44-54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0273475311430802

Sewell, K. M., Sanders, J. E., Kourgiantakis, T., Katz, E., & Bogo, M. (2020). Cognitive and affective processes: MSW students ‘awareness and coping through simulated interviews. Social Work education: The International Journal. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2020.1727875

Stauss, K., Koh, E., & Collie, M. (2018). Comparing the effectiveness of an online human diversity course to face-to-face instruction. Journal of Social Work Education, 54(3), 492-505. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2018.1434432

Vernon, R., Lewis, L., & Lynch, D. (2009). Virtual worlds and social work education: Potentials for ‘‘Second Life.’’ Advances in Social Work, 10(2), 176-192. https://doi.org/10.18060/236

Villadsen, A., Allain, L., Bell, L., & Hingley-Jones, H. (2012). The use of role play and drama in interprofessional education: An evaluation of a workshop with students of social work, midwifery, early years and medicine. Social Work Education, 31(1), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2010.547186

Wilson, A. B., Brown, S., Wood, Z. B., & Farkas, K. J. (2013). Teaching direct practice skills using web-based simulations: Home visiting in the virtual world. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 33, 421-437. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841233.2013.833578

Wretman, C. J., & Macy, R. J. (2016). Technology in social work education: A systematic review. Journal of Social Work Education, 52(4), 409-421. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2016.1198293

York, R. (2008). Comparing three modes of instruction in a graduate social work program. Journal of Social Work Education, 44(2), 157-172. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2008.200700031

Young, J. (2014). iPolicy: Exploring and evaluating the use of iPads in a social welfare policy course. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 32(1-2), 39-53. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2013.860366

Downloads

Published

2022-11-08