SWISSStudent Financial Hardship Research 2014
The School of Public Health and Social Work have received a grant from the Australian Collaborative Educators Network (ACEN) to undertake research to understand the financial impact of field education placements from the perspective of social work and human service students from South East Queensland incorporating QUT, University of Queensland and Griffith University..
Field education placements are a critical element of the education of social work and human service students and represent a substantial component of the education of these students. However, this requirement can result in reduced capacity for paid employment and thus income for up to a semester in duration. The QUT Research Team are increasingly concerned about and aware of the financial challenges faced by students associated with long field education placements and are seeking to, via this research, assess the financial impact of field education placements on students and consider ways in which this impact may be lessened.
Student's feedback will be sought via mixed method modes including survey, face to face interviews and focus groups over the coming six months. It is also recognised that field educators and supervisors will have feedback regarding not only the financial impact for students but also the impact this has on how students engage with the field placement opportunity that will be valuable for the research. If you are a social work and human service field educator or supervisor, and are interested in providing feedback to this study please email Eleesa Johnstone or healthwils@qut.edu.au