Supervision Challenges Encountered During Kenyan University Students’ Practicum Attachment
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Date
2015
Authors
Kathuri-Ogola, Lucy
VanLeeuwen, Charlene
Kabaria-Muriithi, Joan
Weeks, Lori E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IISTE
Abstract
There is little published research that examines the supervision experience of field attachment supervisors in
Kenya. In this study, we identify the challenges encountered by field supervisors during student field
attachments with community organizations. Fifteen organizations that had hosted third year students from the
Department of Community Resource Management and Extension (CRM&E) at Kenyatta University during their
practicum attachment were sampled using purposive and convenience sampling. Data was collected using faceto-
face key informant interviews with field supervisors (n=15). Data was analyzed using NVivo10 software for
qualitative analysis. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of key themes related to clarity of learning
objectives for students and the supervision challenges encountered by field supervisors during practicum. Key
findings indicate that the supervisors largely lacked a clear understanding of practicum expectations and the
academic preparation of students in the Community Resource Management and Extension program. The main
supervision challenge is largely on orienting students to community based field work so as to enable them link
theory to practice. These results can be helpful for any academic program to improve the field attachment
experience of university students and the community organizations hosting the students. A better understanding
of the challenges that field supervisors’ encounter is fundamental to the enhancement of the practicum
experience of university students since the requisite and appropriate support can be provided to the host
organizations. Subsequently, the students will be more likely to optimize the intended benefits of the practicum
as a result of the host organizations enhancing the quality of field-based learning.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Practicum, Supervision, Experiential learning, Community-based learning, Learning methods, Postsecondary education, Higher education
Citation
Journal of Education and Practice Vol.6, No.17, 2015