Why might a student be at risk of failing their placement?

Learning Objectives

After considering this resource, you should be aware of why you may be at risk of failing a placement and what support is available to you in such circumstances.

In undertaking a placement where your performance is assessed to ensure it meets the acceptable standards for social work practice, there is a possibility you may fail. Throughout the placement though, it is important for you to recognise if you are having difficulties and seek appropriate help from your practice educator and your personal tutor at university.

In the following video, a personal tutor and two practice educators discuss, in their own experience why students may fail a placement, and what support is available to them in such circumstances.

Download: Video transcript

Reflective Questions

  1. Are you concerned you could be at risk of failing your placement? How does this make you feel? How might you take these feelings and use them proactively to address the issues you are experiencing?
  2. Consider the different reasons why you might be concerned about failing a placement. What is your own role in these concerns? How might your personal tutor or supervisor be able to help you?
  3. How can reflection help you to identify areas where you might be able to improve your practice?
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