Dialogue on Effective Practical Training

Nationwide meeting explores internships, digital solutions, and collaborative approaches for future-oriented education

The nationwide meeting of practical coordinators, which recently took place at FH JOANNEUM in Graz, focused on practical issues related to the quality of education and university cooperation. Our Social Work program was represented by our colleague Bastian Oechsle.

Discussions focused on the optimal duration and flexibility of internships, credit recognition models for prior learning, and how to handle challenging situations in day-to-day internship life – ranging from ethical dilemmas to conflicts between students and institutions. Additionally, potential solutions, opportunities, and challenges related to the professional law for Social Work were discussed. Another focus was on new digital tools for internship management, as well as the idea of a joint, cross-institutional, and cost-shared training program for field supervisors.

Bastian Oechsle, internship coordinator for the Social Work program at MCI: “Practical training phases are a fundamental pillar of the Social Work program. Therefore, continuous networking, active exchange, and consideration of different perspectives are of enormous importance.”