A Delphi Study in Field Instruction:

Abstract

The Delphi Technique was used in a three-phase national study on field instruction in an attempt to identify the research needs or issues in field instruction. A panel of fifteen experts participated. The top five research issues identified were: (1) How does one test for the attainment of the specific skills established as objectives to be achieved in field instruction? (2 What are appropriate learning objectives and related tasks for undergraduates, first year, and second year graduate students? (3) What makes for an effective professional experience in terms of field instruction learning assignments and characteristics of field teachers? (4) What types of learning experiences contribute most effectively to the achievement of different content and skill by different students? and (5) How does planning for field instruction fit into the overall educational and curriculum planning process?