The View page displays a submission's general information and data. Watch video
Submission information
Submission Number: 174
Submission ID: 1168
Submission UUID: 06dcdabe-5605-48b5-a0f5-fd8082aa150c
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 06/17/2025 - 12:27
Completed: Tue, 06/17/2025 - 12:51
Changed: Fri, 08/01/2025 - 08:07
Remote IP address: 196.13.185.1
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Dr.
Budeli
Jimmy
University of venda
Dr. Nngodiseni Jimmy Budeli is a Social Worker, Senior Lecturer, and Acting Head of the Department of Social Work in the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education at the University of Venda. He is currently an independent contractor supervisor for the fieldwork placement of final-year social work students at the University of South Africa. He is also an external examiner for the Master and Doctor of Social Work programs at the University of South Africa, University of Johannesburg, University of Witwatersrand, University of Zululand, and was recently appointed as an external examiner for the University of Limpopo.
Yes
Ms.
Rakgoale
Kgomotso
Limpopo Provincial Department of Social Development
Ms. Rakgoale is a Deputy Director: Norms and Standards in the Limpopo Department of Social Development
No
Abstract
Challenges Faced by Fieldwork Coordinators during Students’ Practical
THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development
SUB 4.8 Navigating curriculum audits.
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Fieldwork placement is a critical component of every Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) curriculum. Before students begin their placements, university fieldwork coordinators play a vital role in arranging fieldwork experiences and overseeing those placements once students have resumed their practical work. This qualitative study seeks to explore and describe the challenges faced by fieldwork coordinators while students are in fieldwork practice placements. The study's data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two fieldwork coordinators from the University of Venda and the University of Limpopo. The study found a lack of placement agencies for students’ fieldwork. It also found that students sometimes disappeared during fieldwork, while others submitted fake reports. Indemnity was reported as another challenge. Coordinators noted that students expressed dissatisfaction with placement arrangements, particularly regarding the assignment of agencies and supervisors. Additionally, insufficient work exposure and the absenteeism of supervisors at the agency were identified as significant challenges. The study revealed that the monitoring and support of students during fieldwork placements are compromised, as not all students receive visits for support. This leaves some feeling stranded and helpless. The research findings from this project suggest that both universities establish a dedicated fieldwork component within the social work department. This component should be supported by designated staff members whose primary responsibilities pertain to fieldwork-related matters. When possible, they should be exempted from teaching or assigned fewer theory classes. The researcher believes that this will provide fieldwork coordinators and all academics involved in the fieldwork component with sufficient time to effectively execute plans related to the administration of fieldwork.
Key Words: Challenge, Social Work, Fieldwork Coordinators, Fieldwork
Fieldwork placement is a critical component of every Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) curriculum. Before students begin their placements, university fieldwork coordinators play a vital role in arranging fieldwork experiences and overseeing those placements once students have resumed their practical work. This qualitative study seeks to explore and describe the challenges faced by fieldwork coordinators while students are in fieldwork practice placements. The study's data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two fieldwork coordinators from the University of Venda and the University of Limpopo. The study found a lack of placement agencies for students’ fieldwork. It also found that students sometimes disappeared during fieldwork, while others submitted fake reports. Indemnity was reported as another challenge. Coordinators noted that students expressed dissatisfaction with placement arrangements, particularly regarding the assignment of agencies and supervisors. Additionally, insufficient work exposure and the absenteeism of supervisors at the agency were identified as significant challenges. The study revealed that the monitoring and support of students during fieldwork placements are compromised, as not all students receive visits for support. This leaves some feeling stranded and helpless. The research findings from this project suggest that both universities establish a dedicated fieldwork component within the social work department. This component should be supported by designated staff members whose primary responsibilities pertain to fieldwork-related matters. When possible, they should be exempted from teaching or assigned fewer theory classes. The researcher believes that this will provide fieldwork coordinators and all academics involved in the fieldwork component with sufficient time to effectively execute plans related to the administration of fieldwork.
Key Words: Challenge, Social Work, Fieldwork Coordinators, Fieldwork
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Nontombi
Velelo
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Nontombi
Velelo
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted