The practicum journey: field instructors’ experiences in social work education

Abstract

Field education in social work faces significant challenges, including practicum shortages, difficulties in recruiting and retaining field instructors, and strained agency capacity. This study explores field instructors’ experiences across the different phases of the practicum in a Social Work undergraduate program in Spain, focusing on the motivations and barriers that shape their supervision of students. Using the Customer Journey Mapping method—an approach adapted from service design to visualize stakeholder critical interaction points—the study analyzed instructors’ reflections across the initial, developmental, and concluding stages of the practicum. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was applied to identify patterns in instructors’ experiences and distinct profiles. Findings reveal two career-stage profiles. Early-career instructors reported higher motivation and satisfaction, valuing personal growth and support from the university. In contrast, mid- to late-career instructors faced greater barriers, including bureaucratic fatigue, limited recognition, and concerns about students’ preparedness for supervised practice. These profiles highlight how instructors’ experiences vary by career stage, underscoring the need for differentiated support strategies such as participatory curriculum design, streamlined procedures, and models tailored to instructors’ needs. By applying a journey mapping framework, this study provides a practical tool for identifying pressure points and improving the sustainability of field education in social work programs.