An Exploration of Deliberate Practice in Online and In-person Graduate Education View Digital Media

Workshop Presentation
Lucille Byno,  Marissa Zerby,  Lydia P. Perry,  Kristi Harrison,  Jessica Fountas,  Alisha Bachman Alisha Bachman,  Dawn Wilson,  Noemi Correa _,  Danielle Samuel,  Markie Twist  

Deliberate practice (DP) (Ericsson,1993), is an evidence-based method that helps to build competency, mastery, and effectiveness in application based educational programs. Key components of DP include a) observing one’s own work, b) getting immediate and specific feedback, c) setting small goals within the learner’s zone of proximal development, d) engaging in repetitive rehearsal, and e) continuously assessing performance (Blow et. al, 2022). DP was used to develop therapy skills with five separate learning groups of Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) Master's students and supervision skills with their CFT doctoral student counterparts. Each group was comprised of approximately 5-7 Master's students, 2 doctoral students, and 2 faculty. DP exercises were conducted in both online and in-person learning environments. Graduate program faculty supervised both doctoral and master's students learning within pre-prepared role play activities designed to push students toward mastery in a supportive environment that encouraged growth. DP is an innovative applied practice methodology that offers an opportunity to be used within a critical pedagogical framework to deconstruct power and privilege in a socially just manner. Through our early experiences, we have found that DP can be as effective online as it can be in-person within an applied education environment. Program assessment and evaluation is ongoing utilizing the skills and expertise of faculty and doctoral students.