Episode 24 | Structuring Group Supervision for Maximum Impact (Part 2)

In the Field: The ABA Podcast

🎙️ “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 2
Hosted by Allyson Wharam

🎧 Episode Overview:

In this follow-up episode, Allyson Wharam dives into how to structure group supervision so it’s not just compliant—but meaningful and competency-building. She shares practical frameworks, specific activities, and answers listener questions about logistics, coordination, and group dynamics.

Instructional Strategies that Work in Group Supervision:

• Peer Presentations
  Let trainees lead on focused subtopics—teaching builds fluency and confidence.
• Case Consultation vs. Case Studies
  Use real cases for collaborative problem-solving or walk through crafted scenarios to guide clinical reasoning.
• Guided Technical Skill Practice
  Bring in BST to teach practical skills like data collection, graphing, shaping, and writing measurable goals.
• Big-Picture Discussions
  Use prompts that push trainees from definitions into decision-making and judgment.
• Ethical Dilemmas
  Practice navigating tricky ethical situations as a group—great for building perspective-taking and problem-solving.
• Research Reviews & Resource Shares
  Have trainees bring articles, tools, or protocols and discuss how they’d apply them.

Managing Documentation & Logistics:

• Tracking Group Supervision
  Keep clear records. The BCBA must document the group session properly for each trainee.
• Multiple Supervisors? Coordinate
  When more than one BCBA is involved, align expectations ahead of time to avoid miscommunication or mixed messages.
• Use Shared Tools
  Supervision platforms, Slack, or Teams can centralize notes, tasks, and follow-ups for everyone involved.

💬 Listener Q&A Highlights:

• “Does the BCBA running group supervision need to be on the trainee’s contract?”
  Yes—if they’re providing supervision, they need to be formally on the contract.
• “How do you follow up on competencies introduced in group?”
  Introduce and model in group, then individual sessions are for practicing and assessing.
• “How do you manage dominating voices or people who are always late?”
  Set norms early, reinforce participation expectations, and follow up individually as needed.
• “How often should group supervision include client-specific content?”
  It should be part of the mix—but vary sessions to include both client-specific and general skill development.

💡 Practical Takeaways:

• Repeatable Structures Make It Sustainable
  Use a rotating menu of activities—like skill practice, discussions, or presentations—to stay organized and efficient.
• Use Group to Build, Individual to Apply
  Think of group sessions as the classroom and individual sessions as the lab.
• Clear Communication Is Key
  Especially when multiple supervisors are involved, make collaboration and documentation a priority.
• Set the Tone Early
  Group dynamics matter—co-create norms and revisit them when needed.

🔗 Want to Submit a Question?
Head to www.sidekicklearning.net/podcast to submit scenarios, dilemmas, or questions about supervision.

📤 Share & Subscribe:
If this helped you rethink your approach to group supervision, share it with your team. And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next!

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