Group Supervision Podcast Episode 1

🎙️ Podcast Summary: “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 1
Hosted by Allyson Wharram

🎧 Episode Overview:

In this solo episode of In the Field, host Allyson Wharam introduces the first part of a two-part series focused on group supervision in the context of BCBA fieldwork. Drawing from her recent workshop at the national APBA Convention in Dallas, Allyson explores the foundational aspects of group supervision, including its definition, benefits, challenges, and strategies for effectiveness.

What is Group Supervision?

• Defined as a supervised meeting with up to 10 trainees, regardless of the number of supervisors present.

• Must be:

  • Interactive – not passive training or simply individual supervision done in a group setting.

  • Collaborative – involving shared problem-solving and skill development.

• Regulatory Requirements:

  • No more than 50% of supervision hours per month can be in group format.

  • No more than 10 trainees in a group, no matter the number of supervisors present. 

Why Use Group Supervision?

While individual supervision is often preferred (per the BCBA handbook), group supervision offers unique advantages:

• Reduces Isolation: Especially for trainees in remote or school-based roles.

• Fosters Peer Networks: Trainees form connections, create study groups, and continue supporting each other beyond supervision.

• Promotes Professional Growth:

  • Encourages interpersonal skills and collaborative problem-solving.

  • Provides multiple perspectives on issues and cases.

  • Helps trainees refine explanations and professional communication.

• Facilitates Generalization:

  • Exposure to varied client cases and ABA applications.

• Enables Peer Feedback:

  • Supports development of the ability to give and receive feedback, a critical professional skill.

Common Barriers to Effective Group Supervision (and Solutions)

1. Trainee Variability

• Diverse backgrounds, skill levels, and lived experiences.

• Solutions:

  • Align group content with shared learning objectives.

  • Pair experienced trainees with newer ones for peer teaching.

  • Provide pre-session materials (e.g., articles, videos) for baseline knowledge.

2. Individualized Feedback

• Harder to provide personal feedback in group settings.

• Solutions:

  • Use group meetings for skill-building and general feedback.

  • Reserve competency evaluations and detailed feedback for individual supervision.

3. Ensuring Equal Engagement

• Risk of passive participation, especially from less experienced trainees.

• Strategies:

  • Use tools like Pear Deck, Nearpod, or chat-based activities.

  • Employ cold calling to prompt responses.

  • Allow for adequate wait time to encourage volunteer responses.

  • Limit group size to 7–8 trainees to ensure meaningful interaction.

4. Supervisor Planning Time

• Group meetings require intentional planning and structure.

• Solutions:

  • Use standardized templates and agendas.

  • Send agendas ahead of time (ideally a week in advance).

  • Group related content into monthly themes.

  • Utilize structured curricula to streamline topic selection and pre-work.

Tips for Structuring Effective Group Supervision

• Develop a repeatable framework for planning and running sessions.

• Combine low-prep and high-impact activities, like trainee-led presentations.

• Use resources that support practical application, including:

  • Presentation templates.

  • Topic guides.

  • Skill-practice tools.

New Feature: Listener Questions!

Allyson invites listeners to submit questions or scenarios related to supervision, leadership, or training. Selected submissions will be featured in future episodes.

📌 Coming Next: Part 2

In next week's episode, Allyson will explore:

• How to structure group supervision sessions.

• Activities and exercises to enhance learning.

• Answering listener-submitted questions.