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:Trainee VariabilityDiverse backgrounds and skill levels.Solutions: align content, pair experienced with new trainees, provide pre-session materials.Individualized FeedbackDifficult in group settings.Use group time for general feedback; save detailed feedback for individual sessions.Ensuring Equal EngagementRisk of passive participation.Use interactive tools (Pear Deck, Nearpod), cold calling, wait time, and limit groups to 7–8 trainees.Supervisor Planning TimeRequires intentional planning.Use templates, send agendas early, group content monthly, and use structured curricula.🛠️ Tips for Effective Group SupervisionDevelop 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.Disclaimer:BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.All information and products are for educational purposes only.