| Providing
quality supervision is an essential element in establishing a successful
experiential learning opportunity. Consider the following points:
Orientation &
Training
- Provide
company/departmental and technical orientation.
- Provide
an orientation to your organization (by the supervisor or student program
coordinator) so that students will learn about policies, benefits, the
facility, etc. Having a handbook that is geared for student workers
can also be extremely helpful.
Expectations
- Treat
the student intern as you would any new employee
- Provide
clear and specific job description, expectations and time schedules.
Work Assignments
- Pre-plan
and organize work assignments and projects in advance of the student's
arrival.
- Discuss
work assignments in the context of the larger project or department
goals.
- Consider
student's skills and interests in relation to tasks and develop mutually
beneficial and measurable learning objectives.
- If possible,
have supervisors encourage students to participate in your organization's
training programs as well as cross-department assignments.
- Assign
projects of increasing responsibility and challenge over time.
Work
Environment
- Create
an atmosphere receptive to "supervised learning," whereby
the student can progress quickly with someone available to expect and
encourage questions.
- Include
students in meetings and problem-solving sessions.
Supervision
- Keep in
mind that as an intern/co-op supervisor you are important. You are the
student's daily contact, source of valuable information, teacher/mentor,
motivator and leader. You personify the organization.
- Place
students with carefully selected and trained supervisors. Be sure that
supervisors provide students with detailed information about the work
they will be doing, including specific tasks, relevant equipment, and
work flow. Have students and supervisors meet at least weekly to address
students' questions and provide them with feedback on their performance.
Evaluation
- Establish
criteria for performance evaluation at the beginning of the assignment
and provide regular and ongoing feedback.
- Involve
supervisors and students in a formal evaluation process. Be sure that
students know how and when their performance will be evaluated.
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