Abstract
The current study investigates clinical supervision with regard to millennial student clinician expectations, needs, and anxiety related to the supervisory process. Seven graduate students in speech-language pathology completed questionnaires at six points during their graduate education – The Student Clinician Anxiety Test (Sleight, 1985), as well as Larson’s Supervisory Expectations Rating Scale and Supervisory Needs Rating Scale (Larson, 1981). Results indicated that supervisory needs and expectations were significantly greater pre-practicum when compared to post-externship, with no significant changes in student clinician anxiety noted across six semesters of graduate training. Student clinicians demonstrated less anxiety than Sleight’s data, but had greater needs and expectations than Larson’s data. The difference in anxiety may be a reflection of the cited confidence of millennials. The possibility also exists that supervisors have shifted their methods to incorporate recommended practices, promoting decreased anxiety. The higher level of expectation and needs is in keeping with the literature, which suggests that millennials live relatively structured lives and expect supervisors to provide structure and support to meet their learning needs.
Recommended Citation
Plexico, L. W., Plumb, A. M., & Phillips, D. E. (2017). Speech-Language Pathology Student Anxiety, Expectations, and Needs During Clinical Practicum. Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 1(2).
