The first step is to make sure that you are aware of the University requirements of you as a student placement clinical educator, and also of the resources and supports available to you.

Whether you have supervised students before or whether this will be your first time, we recommend that you consider accessing one of the workshops for occupational therapy clinical educators run by your local university.
 

University Workshops for Occupational Therapy Clinical Educators

"The recent clinical educator workshop gave me the broader perspective on learning styles and I feel more equipped in adjusting to these differences"
N. Flynn, OT clinical educator, Mater Private (personal communication, June,6, 2007)
 

The University of Queensland

Workshop Title: "How to Conduct an Occupational Therapy Student Placement"

Thios workshop assists OT Practice Educators to prepare for the supervision of students. Content aeas covered include rating student performance using the Studernt Placement Evaluation Form (SPEF-R©); aspects and influences on OT clinical education; facilitating student learning and an introduction to dealing with concerns and challenges of student placements. This workshop is especially suitable for first time Practice Educators or those who are interested in 'brushing up their skills' after a break from student supervision.

Workshop Title: "Inter-professional Workshop for Professional Practice Educators"

This workshop is for allied health professional clinical educators and provides training in aspects of student clinical education including: adult learning, the differences between student and educator in learning and supervisory styles and explores strategies for managing learning style differences and enhancing student learning on placement, as well as managing barriers to learning.

Workshop Title: "Expanding Your Clinical Education Skills"

This workshop expands on supervisor skills to meet the challenges that may arise in student supervision. It includes information on issues with assessment and feedback; guiding student performance; engaging support from the University; and dealing with students who are experiencing difficulties. This workshop is suitable for the experienced practice educator or those who have completed the introductory practice educator workshop detailed above.

The workshops also provide a forum for you to raise any concerns or apprehensions that you may have about student supervision and to have these issues broadly discussed.
 

James Cook University

Workshop Title: "OT Supervisor's Workshop" - full day and half day.

These workshops are run according to need in regional areas including Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton. You or your regional OT group can request a workshop in your region by contacting JCU fieldwork coordinators.
 

But I live in rural or remote Queensland, and may not be able to attend workshop

If you are not able to attend a workshop in person, you can contact the clinical education liaison staff from the Universities to find out about their next visit to your region. James Cook University will provide videoconferencing of workshop educational material based on need, at sites throughout Queensland. The University of Queensland has developed the Inter-professional Introductory Clinical Educator Workshops in a videoconference format at multiple sites around regional Queensland. Contact the university to discuss your particular educational and access needs.

Below are some other fieldwork related resources that will be useful in equipping you for student supervision.
 

Useful Clinical Education Resources

Guide for Practice Educators. (The University of Qld, 2008).

Practice Education Fieldwork Supervisors Manual. James Cook University.

Practice Education Manual. University of the Sunshine Coast.

Facilitating Clinical Reasoning and Reflective Practice Workbook (Turpin & Fitzgerald, 2006).

UQ/Practice Educator Forums

University Contacts

Next ---> Step 2: Brainstorm the Learning Opportunities