Episode 24 | Structuring Group Supervision for Maximum Impact (Part 2)

🎙️ “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 2 Hosted by Allyson Wharam🎧 Episode Overview: In this follow-up episode, Allyson Wharam dives into how to structure group supervision so it’s not just compliant—but meaningful and competency-building. She shares practical frameworks, specific activities, and answers listener questions about logistics, coordination, and group dynamics.Instructional Strategies that Work in Group Supervision:Peer Presentations Let trainees lead on focused subtopics—teaching builds fluency and confidence.Case Consultation vs. Case Studies Use real cases for collaborative problem-solving or walk through crafted scenarios to guide clinical reasoning.Guided Technical Skill Practice Bring in BST to teach practical skills like data collection, graphing, shaping, and writing measurable goals.Big-Picture Discussions Use prompts that push trainees from definitions into decision-making and judgment.Ethical Dilemmas Practice navigating tricky ethical situations as a group—great for building perspective-taking and problem-solving.Research Reviews & Resource Shares Have trainees bring articles, tools, or protocols and discuss how they’d apply them.Managing Documentation & Logistics:Tracking Group Supervision Keep clear records. The BCBA must document the group session properly for each trainee.Multiple Supervisors? Coordinate When more than one BCBA is involved, align expectations ahead of time to avoid miscommunication or mixed messages.Use Shared Tools Supervision platforms, Slack, or Teams can centralize notes, tasks, and follow-ups for everyone involved.💬 Listener Q&A Highlights:“Does the BCBA running group supervision need to be on the trainee’s contract?” Yes—if they’re providing supervision, they need to be formally on the contract.“How do you follow up on competencies introduced in group?” Introduce and model in group, then individual sessions are for practicing and assessing.“How do you manage dominating voices or people who are always late?” Set norms early, reinforce participation expectations, and follow up individually as needed.“How often should group supervision include client-specific content?” It should be part of the mix—but vary sessions to include both client-specific and general skill development.💡 Practical Takeaways:Repeatable Structures Make It Sustainable Use a rotating menu of activities—like skill practice, discussions, or presentations—to stay organized and efficient.Use Group to Build, Individual to Apply Think of group sessions as the classroom and individual sessions as the lab.Clear Communication Is Key Especially when multiple supervisors are involved, make collaboration and documentation a priority.Set the Tone Early Group dynamics matter—co-create norms and revisit them when needed.🔗 Want to Submit a Question? Head to www.sidekicklearning.net/podcast to submit scenarios, dilemmas, or questions about supervision.📤 Share & Subscribe: If this helped you rethink your approach to group supervision, share it with your team. And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next!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.