The Influence of Learning Styles on Student and Field Instructor Perceptions of Field Placement Success

This article reports on a research study of pairs of social work students and their field instructors whor ated their perceptions of each other on various dimensions of placement success, including the quality of the supervisory relationship, the amount learned in the placement, and knowledge and skill levels. The Kolb Learning Styles Inventory was used to measure similarities and differences in student and field instructor learning preferences. The study suggests that assessment of learning styles can assist field instructors and students to appreciate different contributions, to recognize diversity as strength and, ultimately, to enhance the overall quality and success of the learning experience.