Feelings and Failing in Professional Training: the assessor's dilemma

Exploring the Issue of Failure to Fail in a Nursing Program

“…Although only a small number of preceptors, faculty advisors, and faculty members participated in this study, and the use of a convenience sample may have captured those who have had a negative experience, the findings corroborate findings from previous studies or what has been highlighted in the literature (Allen, 2002;Boley & Whitney, 2003;Cleland et al, 2008;Dudek et al, 2005;Duffy, 2004;Gainsbury, 2010;Hawe, 2003;Heaslip & Scammell, 2012;Hunt et al, 2012;Ilott & Murphy, 1997;Jervis & Tilki, 2011;Luhanga et al, 2008;Scanlan et al, 2001;Scholes & Albarran, 2005;Smith et al, 2001) that failing a student is a difficult process and at times avoided. In a study by Hawe (2003) many examples of failing grades given by preceptors who were overruled by faculty were reported.…”

“…This study revealed that participants experienced feelings of frustration, disappointment, and relief during the process of failing incompetent students (Duffy, 2004;Gainsbury, 2010;Hastings, 2010;Hrobsky & Kersbergen, 2002;Ilott & Murphy, 1997;Luhanga et al, 2008;Siebert, Clark, Kilbridge, & Peterson, 2006). Although it is often difficult for preceptors to discuss their feelings regarding failures of students, doing so may provide important information that can be used as a guide in the counseling and mentoring of future preceptors and clinical faculty (Hastings, 2010).…”

Failure to Fail? Practice Educators' Emotional Experiences of Assessing Failing Social Work Students

“…The nursing literature explored the challenges in failing students on clinical placements (Lankshear, 1990;Duffy, 2004). Teaching (Knowles et al, 1995), occupational therapy (Ilott and Murphy, 1997) and counselling psychology (Vacha-Haase et al, 2004;Hoffman et al, 2005;Johnson, 2007;) revealed similar concerns around difficulties in failing students on placement. Indeed, the term 'failure to fail' (Duffy, 2004;Shapton, 2006) emerges in a number of professional contexts.…”

“…First is a concern about practice assessors' lack of understanding and inappropriate application of the assessment framework (Williamson et al, 1985;Walker et al, 1995;Hughes and Heycock, 1996) and linked to this; 6 procedures not being followed correctly (Burgess et al, 1998a(Burgess et al, , 1998bIlott and Murphy, 1997;Duffy, 2004;Kaslow et al, 2007). Associated lack of support or clear guidance from the university was also found to be a factor (Burgess et al, 1998a(Burgess et al, , 1998bVacha-Haase, 2004).…”

‘It's been hell.’Italian and British practice educators’ narratives of working with struggling or failing social work students in practice learning settings

“…First, lack of competence in using an assessment framework (Owens, 1995;Cowburn et al, 2000;Duffy, 2004): not following the correct procedures (Burgess et al, 1998a(Burgess et al, , 1998bIlott and Murphy, 1997;Duffy, 2004;Kaslow et al, 2007) and not addressing concerns in a timely fashion (Floyd et al, 1998;Duffy, 2004;Hoffman et al, 2004). Secondly, fear of litigation, most notably in the North American context (Cole, 1991;Cole and Lewis, 1993;Raymond, 2000;Royse, 2000;Urwin et al 2006) although there is limited European research on this.…”