The Supervision Session

Abstract

During practice placements, the social work student is subject to a continuous process of informal learning: by participating in office discussions, by observing colleagues’ attitudes, and by overhearing their telephone conversations. Supervision sessions, however, provide the formal context for teaching and learning and demand more of the supervisor than simply being available to discuss the next step on a piece of work. This chapter looks at the nature and purpose of supervision. We suggest ways of planning and structuring the supervision session, introducing a range of ideas about the principles and the process skills that the supervisor needs.