Guidelines for Book Users: Instructors, Supervisors, and Students

Abstract

This chapter describes the philosophical and pedagogical base of the book, which is grounded in active-experiential and self-reflective learning; identifies common challenges in the development of basic helping skills by students, such as anxiety and difficulty integrating skills; and describes detailed strategies for teachers and supervisors to facilitate student learning of basic helping skills. Strategies include ways to organize and process experiential activities and manage feedback and evaluation (e.g., methods for facilitating small and large group discussions, conducting student role-plays, and consolidating student learning; guidelines for feedback and evaluation). Suggested activities are designed to promote learning by encouraging students to take risks within a supportive environment, continually reflect upon their experiences, and incorporate feedback into their genetic counseling practice. Most of the activities in this and subsequent chapters can be adapted by clinical supervisors for use with supervisees.