Catharine Atkinson

Supervision for school psychologists in training: Developing a framework from empirical findings

Similar to other professional disciplines, the importance of supervision within school psychology has attracted considerable attention within recent years. Despite this, systematic review of current literature reveals a dearth of empirical literature proposing underlying theoretical structures. This study extends recent qualitative research by surveying 310 school psychology students undertaking a preparatory doctoral training programme within the 12 approved universities in England and Wales. Data were obtained from a 21-item closed questionnaire developed from previous empirical findings and subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis. Findings reveal three key supervisory components: Safe space for authentic learning, instructional support, and reference points for professional learning. Comparisons with other theoretical models are made and implications for practice explored. A framework for professional practice, based on key findings and other important theoretical developments, is proposed.

Perspectives on a whole class mindfulness programme

Abstract This study sought to establish pupil and teacher views about a six-hour, whole-class mindfulness programme called Paws.b. Pupil post-intervention focus groups and teacher semi-structured interviews were used to ascertain what was interesting and useful about Paws.b, and how it could be developed. Audio recordings were transcribed and thematically analysed. Findings indicated the vast majority of pupils enjoyed Paws.b and it was deemed to be both accessible to pupils and feasible for teachers to deliver. A number of themes highlighted the impact of Paws.b upon pupils’ attention but also on their metacognition and social/emotional functioning, both within and beyond the classroom. Several potentially fruitful adaptations were also proposed. Findings are discussed relative to mindfulness and educational psychology literature, and future directions for research are outlined.

‘I just find it boring’: Findings from an affective adolescent reading intervention

Research suggests that reading engagement and motivation are strong predictors of reading performance. Reading motivation may decline as students approach adolescence, resulting in less time spent with text. To date, there has been no research on how practitioners might directly support students to address affective factors in reading. In this exploratory case study, three disengaged, Year 8 readers received five sessions of an affective intervention aimed at helping them explore and challenge their own ambivalence towards reading. Quantitative and qualitative data from pre-, post- and three-month follow-up indicated a range of benefits in relation to reading engagement and motivation, including improved self-efficacy, increased participation and the usefulness of talking about affective factors in reading. Findings are further examined and implications for practitioners are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students’ views on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for challenging disaffection

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests motivational interviewing (MI) is an effective intervention for supporting disaffected students. However, previous literature has failed to establish students’ views on MI. In the present study, three students took part in an individual MI intervention, delivered by three educational psychologists (EPs). Self-report measures of school-based motivation and semi-structured interviews were used to obtain student views, post-intervention and at three month follow-up. EP interview data were also used to contextualise findings from student interviews. Qualitative findings indicated that students were generally enthusiastic about the intervention and perceived some positive impact on behaviour. However, these views were not consistent with questionnaire responses and two of the pupils experienced exclusions around the time of the intervention. The implications of these ambiguous findings are discussed, in relation to contextual factors that are likely to have influenced the effectiveness of the interventions.

The role of educational psychologists in supporting post-16 transition:: findings from the literature

Abstract The Children and Families Act (2014) has seen the extension of the role of educational psychologists (EPs) to cover the age range from birth to 25 years. EPs have had to develop and extend their practice to meet the needs of post-16 young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Research on transition from compulsory education to further education, employment or training has highlighted significant variability in practice. A systematic review of contemporary literature was undertaken to explore the potential role and contributions of EPs in supporting post-school transition to further education, employment or training. Seven studies met inclusion criteria and data were reported using PRISMA guidelines. Although predominantly speculative, the data highlight a number of roles for EPs in supporting post-16 transition, encompassing work at individual, group and systemic levels and incorporating core functions of educational psychology practice.

Objective Structured Professional Assessments for Trainee Educational Psychologists: an Evaluation

Abstract Objective Structured Professional Assessments (OSPAs) were developed and evaluated at three universities in the United Kingdom, to supplement supervisor assessments of trainee educational psychologists’ placement practice. Participating second year students on three educational psychology doctoral programmes (n = 31) and tutors (n = 12) were surveyed. Scenarios, developed with experienced practitioners, were considered authentic and relevant. Tutor feedback indicated that the marking scheme was a good basis for judgements, but required further calibration and standardisation. Strengths and limitations relating to authenticity of scenarios and practical arrangements were identified. Students considered OSPAs to be a valid assessment of communication and perspective-taking skills, although some found them to be anxiety provoking. Levels of authenticity and complexity were deemed appropriate, although there were concerns over time allowed and how the assessment criteria were interpreted. The discussion highlights how OSPAs address issues relating to assessment reliability by improving objectivity, reducing bias and providing uniformity to student assessment experiences.

How do children distinguish between ‘play’ and ‘work’? Conclusions from the literature.

ABSTRACT From a sociology of childhood and children’s rights agenda, this review explores how children define ‘play’ and ‘work’ in the classroom, and the contextual influences on the development and reinforcement of these perceptions. Twelve studies were identified, analysed and reported using PRISMA guidelines. These studies strived to understand children’s perspectives using child-centred methodologies, and emphasized the importance of children’s contributions to the development of legislation, policies and strategies in relation to their rights; namely the right to play. Findings identify that even very young children have clear ideas about differentiating ‘play’ and ‘work’. Some educational contexts are associated with a clearly perceived play–work dichotomy, while with others, these concepts lie on a continuum. Blurred lines between the two concepts are visible within constructivist classrooms that support play-based learning and children’s choice and control.

Establishing theoretical stability and treatment integrity for motivational interviewing

BACKGROUNDnThere is increasing evidence claiming the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in promoting behavioural change. However, ongoing changes to MI theory and practice have implications for its transferability, accessibility and for the validity of previous findings. Lack of practice consistency may make its effectiveness difficult to evaluate.nnnAIMSnThis paper explores the complexity of MI and issues in the development of evidence-based practice in delivery, before describing issues related to practitioner application.nnnMETHODnTheoretical and practice developments over the last 30 years are reviewed under the headings theory, practice and efficacy. Specifically, developments across the three editions of the core MI texts are examined.nnnRESULTSnFindings from the literature suggest a lack of theoretical stability and practice integrity, with recent fundamental changes to the underpinning structure of MI. Issues relating to the transferability and acquisition of MI skills, consistency of delivery and mechanisms underlying change are discussed.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe authors call for greater theoretical stability, more transparency over how developments are based on theoretical principles and empirical outcomes, and clearer guidance about how this informs practice development and delivery of MI.