In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Welcome to In the Field- The ABA Podcast, hosted by Allyson Wharam. This podcast is a resource hub for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), business owners, training coordinators, individual supervisors, and graduate students accruing fieldwork in ABA.
Allyson, the creator of Sidekick, an innovative online curriculum and learning portal for behavior analysts, dives into the nuances of ABA with a focus on quality supervision, which she believes is the cornerstone of the field. Each episode offers information on topics relevant to ABA professionals, ranging from effective strategies for supervision, innovations in the field, to practical advice for improving service quality and outcomes for clients.
In the Field- The ABA Podcast is not just a show; it's a community for those who are passionate about enhancing their knowledge, skills, and practices in ABA. The podcast features interviews with experts, discussions on emerging trends, and shares actionable tips to help listeners invest in their professional growth and the advancement of the field.
Whether you are driving to an in-home session, taking a break in your busy day, or seeking inspiration and guidance, this podcast is your companion in fostering excellence in ABA. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
For more resources and information, visit our website at www.sidekicklearning.net.
In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Episode 23 | Group Supervision in ABA Fieldwork Part 1
“In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 1
Hosted by Allyson Wharam
🎧 Episode Overview:
In this solo episode, Allyson Wharam introduces the first part of a two-part series on group supervision in BCBA fieldwork. In this episode, she covers group supervision’s definition, benefits, challenges, and strategies.
What is Group Supervision?
- A supervised meeting with up to 10 trainees, regardless of supervisors present.
- Must be interactive, not passive or just individual supervision with more people.
- Regulatory limits: max 50% of monthly supervision hours can be in a group
Why Use Group Supervision?
- Reduces isolation, especially for remote or school-based trainees.
- Builds peer networks that extend beyond supervision.
- Promotes professional growth through interpersonal skills and collaborative problem-solving.
- Offers exposure to diverse client cases for generalization.
- Enables development of giving and receiving peer feedback.
Common Barriers & Solutions:
Trainee Variability
- Diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
- Solutions: align content, pair experienced with new trainees, provide pre-session materials.
Individualized Feedback
- Difficult in group settings.
- Use group time for general feedback; save detailed feedback for individual sessions.
Ensuring Equal Engagement
- Risk of passive participation.
- Use interactive tools (Pear Deck, Nearpod), cold calling, wait time, and limit groups to 7–8 trainees.
Supervisor Planning Time
- Requires intentional planning.
- Use templates, send agendas early, group content monthly, and use structured curricula.
Tips for Effective Group Supervision
- Develop a repeatable session framework.
- Combine low-prep and high-impact activities like trainee presentations.
- Use practical resources: templates, guides, and skill-practice tools.
📣 Listener Questions!
Allyson invites listeners to submit questions or scenarios on supervision, leadership, or training for future episodes. www.sidekicklearning.net/podcast
Coming Next: Part 2
Allyson will cover session structure, activities, and answer listener questions.
Disclaimer:
BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.
All information and products are for educational purposes only.