Episode 23 | Group Supervision in ABA Fieldwork (Part 1)

🎙️ Podcast Summary: “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 1
Hosted by Allyson Wharram

🎧 Episode Overview:
In this solo episode, Alison War introduces the first part of a two-part series on group supervision in BCBA fieldwork, based on her workshop at the National APBA Convention. She covers group supervision’s definition, benefits, challenges, and strategies.

🧩 What is Group Supervision?

• A supervised meeting with up to 10 trainees, regardless of supervisors present.
• Must be interactive, not passive or individual supervision done in a group.
• Regulatory limits: max 50% of monthly supervision hours in group; at least 50% individual.

🌟 Why Use Group Supervision?

• Reduces isolation, especially for remote or school-based trainees.
• Builds peer networks that extend beyond supervision.
• Promotes professional growth through interpersonal skills and collaborative problem-solving.
• Offers exposure to diverse client cases for generalization.
• Enables development of giving and receiving peer feedback.

🚧 Common Barriers & Solutions:

1. Trainee Variability

• Diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
• Solutions: align content, pair experienced with new trainees, provide pre-session materials.

1. Individualized Feedback

• Difficult in group settings.
• Use group time for general feedback; save detailed feedback for individual sessions.

1. Ensuring Equal Engagement

• Risk of passive participation.
• Use interactive tools (Pear Deck, Nearpod), cold calling, wait time, and limit groups to 7–8 trainees.

1. Supervisor Planning Time

• Requires intentional planning.
• Use templates, send agendas early, group content monthly, and use structured curricula.

🛠️ Tips for Effective Group Supervision

• Develop a repeatable session framework.
• Combine low-prep and high-impact activities like trainee presentations.
• Use practical resources: templates, guides, and skill-practice tools.

📣 Listener Questions!
Alison invites listeners to submit questions or scenarios on supervision, leadership, or training for future episodes.

📌 Coming Next: Part 2
Allyson will cover session structure, activities, and answer listener questions.

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