In the evolving landscape of online therapy, understanding the unique needs of practitioners and their clients is crucial. A recent study titled "Engaged learning during distraction: a case study of successful working moms in distance education" offers valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their skills and services. This blog will explore key findings from the study and how they can be applied to improve online therapy practices.
Understanding the Study
The study conducted by Fensie, St. Pierre, Jain, and Sezen-Barrie (2023) focused on six academically high-achieving working mothers who participated in distance education courses during the pandemic. These women faced significant distractions in their study environments but managed to succeed by leveraging their prior knowledge, scaffolding instruction, and fostering social presence.
Key Findings and Applications
1. Cognitive Load Management
The study highlighted the importance of managing cognitive load to enhance learning and performance. For online therapy practitioners, this means creating an environment that minimizes unnecessary distractions and focuses on essential tasks. Strategies include:
- Breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts.
- Using clear and concise communication to avoid overwhelming clients.
- Encouraging clients to set up a distraction-free environment for sessions.
2. Scaffolding Instruction
Scaffolding involves providing support to learners as they develop new skills. In online therapy, this can be applied by:
- Offering step-by-step guidance during sessions.
- Using visual aids and structured activities to support learning.
- Gradually reducing support as clients become more confident and skilled.
3. Enhancing Social Presence
The study emphasized the role of social presence in improving engagement and learning outcomes. Online therapists can enhance social presence by:
- Building a strong rapport with clients through regular and personalized communication.
- Using video calls to create a more personal connection.
- Encouraging peer support groups where clients can share experiences and support each other.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research to understand the diverse experiences of adult learners and clients in online settings. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and continuously seek ways to improve their practices.
Conclusion
By implementing strategies to manage cognitive load, scaffold instruction, and enhance social presence, online therapy practitioners can create more effective and supportive environments for their clients. These insights from the study of working moms in distance education can serve as a guide to improve online therapy practices.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Engaged learning during distraction: a case study of successful working moms in distance education.
