The Experiences of Expert Group Work Supervisors: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Evaluation of group work supervision literature suggests that description of expert group work supervisors' experiences could be useful for expanding existing group work supervision practices and models. This study provided a systematic exploration of the experiences of expert group work supervisors during the supervision process. Results indicate that group work supervisors experience a process of conceptualization and critical reflection that guides their supervisory actions. This process occurs within the contexts of beliefs about group work, supervision, and knowledge about self, supervisee(s), and supervisees' groups. The article addresses limitations of the study, provides implications for training of supervisors, supervision, and research.

A literature review of content elements in supervision training courses

“…However, they also suggest that adult learning theories, experiential and work-based learning, as well as understandings about apprenticeship and development of expertise, are possible supervision theories and could be used for exploring supervision situations. According to Atieno Okech and Rubel (2009), most models of supervision pertain to supervision of individual counselling, and this tradition might also influence how supervision training is organised, although it is habitually organised in groups of post-degree supervisors-to-be. Rees et al (2019) also suggest that a mixed pedagogical approach has numerous positive outcomes.…”