MANAGING THE UNDERPERFORMING STUDENT: THE APPLICATION OF CONTRACTING

Background: All students must pass 1000 hours of placement. Some students may have difficulties in demonstrating the required level of performance competency. The relationship between the practice educator and the student can... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
All students must pass 1000 hours of placement. Some students may have difficulties in demonstrating the required level of performance competency. The relationship between the practice educator and the student can be complex when these situations arise as the educator is both teacher and evaluator of the student but is also a practicing clinician.
Educational theory
Malcolm Knowles adult learning theory (1984) postulated that adults learn best when their previous experience is considered, when learning is goal orientated and relevant, when they can be self-directed, when learning is practical and when they feel respected.
Educational Approach
With cognisance of Knowles theory, a two-step process to manage underperforming students was introduced. 1. The written identification of performance concerns from the practice educator perspective for the student and university. 2. The establishment of a weekly graded contract between the university, the practice educator and the student which delineates specific performance outcomes required of the student.
Evaluation of outcome:
Whilst formal evaluation of this approach has yet to be completed, practice educators who attended a recent meeting on the underperforming student praised this process as it a) Supported both educator and student b) Gave responsibility of goal achievement to the student c) Reduced ambiguity of performance for the student d) Enabled clear self -evaluation of performance by the student e) Provided clear evidence of student’s progress.
Application to education:
Contracting is one method that has been found to be effective in managing underperforming students. The process and documentation used will be shared.