Ranking the Problems of Fieldwork Supervision Reveals a New Problem: Failing Students

In 1988 and 1993, fieldwork supervisors attending a study day at the Derby School of Occupational Therapy (now part of the University of Derby) were surveyed to identify, and then verify, whether ‘failing the student’ was difficult. An opportunity sample of 113 trained and experienced supervisors completed a structured questionnaire. The statement about assigning a fall grade was ranked as most problematical by two-thirds of respondents on both surveys. Time demands was ranked second. A fall scenario involves making judgements about threshold standards. Preparation for this gatekeeper role is important to enable supervisors to counter institutional pressure to achieve output targets.