Expectations of Field Supervisors in Kenya: Implications for Community-based Human Service Practicums

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dc.contributor.authorKabaria-Muriithi, Joan
dc.contributor.authorVanLeeuwen, Charlene A.
dc.contributor.authorKathuri-Ogola, Lucy
dc.contributor.authorWeeks, Lori E.
dc.date.accessioned2018-06-19T11:24:38Z
dc.date.available2018-06-19T11:24:38Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.descriptionResearch Articleen_US
dc.description.abstractCommunity-based learning (CBL), which provides opportunities for undergraduate students to develop disciplinary and work-related knowledge and skills, is increasingly becoming an integral component of higher education. Similar to other countries, there is a widespread belief among employers in Kenya that there is a mismatch between university programs and labour market demands. In order to enhance the employability of graduates, many departments at a Kenyan university have incorporated work-integrated experiential learning opportunities such as practicums in the educational experience for undergraduate students. The aim of this article is to describe the expectations of field supervisors in host organisations participitating in a community-based human services program at a Kenyan University. Fifteen purposively sampled field supervisors participated in individual face-to-face interviews that included questions about their understanding of the department’s expectations of student learning activities during practicums, knowledge of the academic preparation of students in the program and challenges associated with the supervisory role. Six field supervisors exhibited some level of understanding of the expectations of their role in working with practicum students, while nine field supervisors indicated unclear expectations of the students’ practicum experience. Thematic analysis revealed key themes related to: (1) student abilities, learning goals and their contributions to the host organisations, and (2) the academic program of study and academic support available from the university faculty or staff to field supervisors. The results of our study revealed a lack of clarity around practicum expectations for most of the field supervisors interviewed and insufficient preparation of the community-based organisations to host a practicum student. Several recommendations are identified to clarify the expectations of community partner organisations and the staff providing student supervision to ensure benefits for both students and the host organisation. Results from this study can be used to inform the development or improvement of practicum opportunities focused on producing a skilled workforce.en_US
dc.identifier.citationKabaria-Muriithi, J., VanLeeuwen, C. A., Kathuri-Ogola, L. and Weeks, L. E. 2018. Expectations of Field Supervisors in Kenya: Implications for Communitybased Human Service Practicums. Gateways: International Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 11:1, pp. 1-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.5130/ijcre. v11i1.5439en_US
dc.identifier.issn1836-3393
dc.identifier.urihttp://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/18456
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherUTS ePRESSen_US
dc.subjectCommunity-based learningen_US
dc.subjectPracticumsen_US
dc.subjectExpectationsen_US
dc.subjectHigher educationen_US
dc.subjectSupervisionen_US
dc.subjectWork-integrated learningen_US
dc.subjectKenyaen_US
dc.titleExpectations of Field Supervisors in Kenya: Implications for Community-based Human Service Practicumsen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
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