Welcome to the Fieldwork Educator Resources page for Appalachian State University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program. This page provides tools, guidelines, and continuing education opportunities to support Fieldwork Educators (FWEs) in mentoring occupational therapy students.
Supervision and Mentoring Guides
These resources provide best practices for supervising and mentoring students in fieldwork settings:
- Self-Assessment Tool for Fieldwork Educator Competency (2023) – Helps FWEs evaluate their strengths and areas for growth.
- Practice Advisory: Services Provided By Students in Fieldwork – Clarifies the scope of student-provided services.
- OT/OTA Student Supervision and Medicare Requirements – Explains Medicare rules related to OT student supervision.
Student Evaluation and Assessment
These evaluation tools help assess student performance and gather feedback on fieldwork experiences:
- Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Experience (SEFWE) – The standard tool for students to evaluate their fieldwork experience.
- AOTA Level I Fieldwork Competency Evaluation – Used by FWEs to assess student performance during Level I placements.
- Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for Level II – The primary tool for assessing student competency in Level II fieldwork.
Continuing Education and Training
FWEs have access to continuing education and professional development to enhance their supervision skills:
- Annual Free Ethics CEU (Live and Recorded Sessions) (please email jasperea@appstate.edu to be added to our mailing list for this event)
- AOTA Fieldwork Educator Certificate Program
- Academic Education Special Interest Section (AESIS) - AOTA's AESIS provides resources, including mentoring programs and webinars, to support occupational therapy educators. These resources are designed to help educators effectively mentor students and navigate academic roles.
- Workshops and Webinars on Supervision
Cultural Humility and Student Well-Being
Resources to support inclusive supervision, student well-being, and trauma-informed care:
- Inclusive Supervision Strategies
- Supporting Student Mental Health
- Occupational Therapy Student Characteristics Influencing Level II Fieldwork: An Exploratory Study of Mental Health, Confidence, and Mindful Self-Care
- Student Psychosocial Well-being and Burnout During Level II Fieldwork: An Explanatory Mixed Methods Analysis
- Exploring Occupational Therapy Student and Entry-Level Practitioner Perceptions of Mental Health Accommodations
- Trauma-Informed Approaches in Fieldwork
- Recognizing Signs of Student Stress and Burnout– Guidance on identifying and addressing common student wellbeing concerns.
- Use of Formal and Informal Strategies to Manage Stress During Level II Occupational Therapy Fieldwork
- Student Psychosocial Well-being and Burnout During Level II Fieldwork: An Explanatory Mixed Methods Analysis
- Exploring Occupational Therapy Student Stress: Professor and Student Perspectives
- Building Stress Resilience and Wellbeing: Introducing Mindfulness Training to Reduce Stress in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Students
- Strategies for Managing Fieldwork Burnout: Fostering More Self-Awareness, Setting Clearer Objectives, and More
- University Support Services for Students – Information on counseling and academic support resources available to students.
- When to Reach Out for Support – FWEs are encouraged to contact the AFWC if a student demonstrates significant performance declines, attendance issues, or wellbeing concerns.
Communication and Support for Fieldwork Educators
This section outlines the communication process between FWEs, students, and faculty during fieldwork:
- Weekly Student Check-ins – Students complete a structured check-in each week and upload weekly into Exxat, which the AFWC reviews in Exxat.
- Midterm and Final Performance Evaluations – FWEs provide formal feedback on student progress at key points.
- FWE Zoom Touchpoint—FWEs are invited to attend a live Zoom meeting during the first eight weeks of Level II Fieldwork to discuss best practices, student challenges, and available resources.
- How to Report Concerns- FWEs should proactively reach out via direct email to the AFWC regarding:
- Attendance Issues
- Significant Performance Issues or Declines
- Wellbeing Concerns
- Fieldwork Educator Wellbeing Resources– Tips and tools to help FWEs manage the demands of student supervision
Additional Resources
For general support and frequently asked questions, FWEs can refer to the following:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - see below
- Contact the Academic Fieldwork coordinator - jasperea@appstate.edu
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Fieldwork Educators
What are my responsibilities as a Fieldwork Educator?
As a Fieldwork Educator, you provide supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of occupational therapy students during their Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing a structured learning environment and appropriate supervision.
- Offering regular feedback and coaching to support student development.
- Completing student evaluations at the end of the placement (AOTA Level I Evaluation or FWPE for Level II).
What supervision model does the Appalachian State University MSOT program follow?
Our program primarily follows a 1:1 supervision model, meaning one student per fieldwork educator. In some cases, a 1:2 model (one FWE to two students) may be used when appropriate for the learning experience and agreed upon with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator prior to the start of the Fieldwork experience.
Where can I find resources on effective supervision?
The Fieldwork Educator Resources Document includes several AOTA-approved tools to support your role, including:
How do I evaluate my student’s performance?
At the end of each fieldwork experience, you will complete an official evaluation:
- For Level I students: Use the AOTA Level I Fieldwork Competency Evaluation
- Use the Level I Fieldwork Competency Evaluation for OT Students found onExxat and linked here:
- For Level II students:Use the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE)
- Use the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation found on Exxat and the scoring scale is linked here:
What if I have concerns about my student’s performance?
Early communication is key. If you have concerns about student progress, contact the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) as soon as possible. Together, we can develop a learning plan or intervention strategy to support student success.
Are there training opportunities for Fieldwork Educators?
Yes! We offer multiple opportunities for continuing education and skill-building:
- Annual Free Ethics CEU (Live and Recorded Sessions) (email jasperea@appstate.edu to be added to our mailing list for invitations to these events)
- AOTA Fieldwork Educator Certificate Program
- Resources for Fieldwork Education
What are the expectations for student supervision and Medicare compliance?
Supervision of OT students varies based on the practice setting and payer regulations. Refer to:
- OT Student Supervision and Medicare Requirements for guidance on supervision compliance.
Where can I find more information or get additional support?
If you need further assistance, reach out to:
- Contact the AFWC for direct support.
- Review the Fieldwork Educator Resources Document for supervision strategies, assessment tools, and CEU opportunities.