ABSTRACT

Computer-based simulations provide an opportunity for social work students to learn effective communication skills that sit at the core of social work practice. The current study describes a best practice interviewing protocol that promotes the use of open-ended questions (i.e. that elicit elaborate responses without dictating expected content) taught using a computer-generated child avatar. Utilising a mixed method design, quantitative analysis showed social work students (N = 25) who undertook a 3-hour training session showed improvements from baseline to post-training. There was a significant increase in open-ended questions and a concomitant decrease in poorly structured (closed) questions. Thematic analysis (N = 39) of participant feedback on the training supported students’ understanding that open-ended questions are key to eliciting detailed information. Students were positive about the use of technology and its place in social work education, highlighting its realism and the absence of risk to clients while learning. Evidence of emerging reflective practice and understanding of the self when engaging with technology-based education is discussed.

摘要

基于计算机的模拟为社会工作学生提供了一个学习有效沟通技巧的机会，这些技巧是社会工作实践的核心。目前的研究描述了一种最佳实践访谈协议，该协议促进了使用计算机生成的儿童化身教授的开放式问题（即在不指定预期内容的情况下引发详尽的回答）的使用。利用混合方法设计，定量分析显示，接受 3 小时培训课程的社会工作学生（N = 25）显示出从基线到培训后的改善。开放式问题显着增加，结构不良（封闭式）问题随之减少。参与者对培训反馈的主题分析（N = 39）支持学生理解开放式问题是获取详细信息的关键。学生对技术的使用及其在社会工作教育中的地位持积极态度，强调其现实性以及在学习时对客户没有风险。讨论了在参与基于技术的教育时出现的反思性实践和对自我的理解的证据。