6. Does it work and how do we know?

2015 ◽  
pp. 93-108
Author(s):  
Sally Holland ◽  
Jonathan Scourfield
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Key Questions

‘Does it work and how do we know?’ addresses some key questions: should social work be thought of as science or art? What kind of knowledge do social workers need? What should their professional training cover? Should the outcomes of social work help be tested using experimental methods and if so, how much weight should we put on that testing, compared with other kinds of evidence? And what do we know about effective helping? Do some approaches work better than others? Social work may have a relatively small evidence base for its effectiveness and it may not always work. It is, however, undoubtedly a humane response to the problems of modern living.

THEORETICAL BASIS OF PROBLEM OF SHAPING CREATIVE COMPETENCE IN FUTURE SOCIAL WORKERS FOR WORK WITH GIFTED CHILDREN

2019 ◽  
pp. 34-45
Author(s):  
Halyna Mykhailyshyn ◽  
Oksana Protas
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Gifted Children ◽  
Educational Establishment ◽  
Higher Educational

For effective forming of creative competence in future social work experts, we suggested using the creative approach to organization of educational process in a higher educational establishment, using the potential of different disciplines in the process of professional training. We clarified the main aspects of shaping of creative competence in future social workers in classroom and outside classroom, as well as main forms of the methodology of such training. The use of the mentioned approaches will give an opportunity to shape creative competence in future social workers for work with gifted children.

scholarly journals Case study method in terms of activity-competent approach to teaching social workers

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Historical Aspect

The article substantiates the relevance of the implementation of the case study method in the educational process of social workers training, as well as explores the methodological features of its development and implementation in the field of social work. The article defines the concept of “case study”, examines the historical aspect of its development, provides an overview of various classifications, offers recommendations on the methodological support of the educational process using the case study method. Article examines intercommunication of “activity” and “competence” approaches in organization of educational process, it assists to get practical experience of future specialists. For this reason, an educational process should be filled with teaching forms and methods to promote forming the practical abilities and skills. The method of case study plays the special role among of them. The first attempts to use this method were observed in practice of charitable organizations at the end of XIX century in the USA for social workers teaching. With a lack of textbooks and methodical manuals for professional training of specialists, the case study became the primary teaching method that included fixation, discussion, diagnostics of the real case of client. With the passing of the time, after development of the plenty specialized social work literature, case study does not lose the actuality and importance in the American teaching process. The article observes different case study classifications offered in scientific literature, namely: classifications of L. Kottrell, R. Stacke, L. Stenhaus, R. Yin. The typology proposed by R. Yin includes analytical (explanatory) and descriptive type of case study. It should be drawn upon and considered as the most suitable for an educational process within the “activity” and “competence” approach. The attention is focused on requirements to teacher qualifications, qualitative and quantitative structure of students group.

scholarly journals THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF TRAINING FUTURE SOCIAL WORKERS IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

2021 ◽  
pp. 272-279
Author(s):  
Serhii Mykhniuk
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Effective Interaction ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Training Time ◽  
Wide Range

The article considers the experience of training future social workers in European countries. The role and significance of positive foreign experience of professional training in European countries – Germany, France, Poland, Britain are substantiated; Scandinavian countries – Sweden, Netherlands, Finland. The aim of the article is to analyze the theory and practice of training social workers in European countries. Research methods used: analysis − to study scientific sources on the research topic, comparison − to explain the scientific positions of various authors, interpretation − to make a scientific commentary on scientific sources. It is established that despite the commonality of individual European trends in the training of social workers, each European country has its own, unique experience of this training, and its own specifics of professional activities of social workers, given the priority social problems in society. The main priorities of professional training of social workers in European countries, which contribute to the formation of students' readiness for effective interaction in the professional sphere: variability of curricula, a wide range of specializations, a wide range of forms and methods of practical training, a large amount of training time for internships and etc. It is noted that the practice of pre-professional social work at the level of volunteering, participation in certain social projects, etc. is important for the training of social workers, which is a prerequisite for admission to the specialty «Social Work» in many European countries. It is concluded that in the practice of training future social workers in different countries, students receive the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to implement interaction in its various organizational and substantive aspects (primarily with different subjects of social protection), instead of the pedagogical content of such interaction not specifically distinguished.

scholarly journals Aotearoa New Zealand social workers and their views of inclusion of animals in social work practice – A descriptive study

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 8-25
Author(s):  
Polly Yeung ◽  
Nicole Robertson ◽  
Lucy Sandford-Reed
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand

PURPOSE: Given the benefits of the human–animal bond (HAB), animals are being used in a range of social work settings. It is important to gain a more in-depth understanding of social work practitioners’ knowledge and actions in these interactions. The purpose of this study was to examine the views and knowledge of social workers in relation to the HAB in Aotearoa New Zealand. METHODS: A survey using an online portal was administrated to qualified social workers via professional and community networks to assess their exposure, level of knowledge, support, training, and barriers to animal–human relations. RESULTS: A total of 140 questionnaires were used for analysis. The results, similar to findings from Canada and the United States, indicate that social workers seemed to have high exposure to information about the benefits of HAB and understanding of the connections between animal abuse and child abuse/domestic violence. Only 68% have included animals in their social work practice. The vast majority have had no specific training in HAB. Untested or untrained animals were also reported to have been used in social work intervention practice. The lack of clear workplace policies, support and professional training in HAB were key barriers that inhibited the inclusion of animals in practice. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of understanding over how to include HAB in practice has serious implications for social work. HAB continues to influence and contribute to the lives of families and individuals and social workers have a duty to develop general awareness and knowledge of the benefits to human health and wellbeing of interacting with animals.

scholarly journals Research Paradigm as a Value Guideline for Professional Training of Future Social Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana POVIDAICHYK ◽  
Valentyna PEDORENKO ◽  
Anastasiia POPOVA ◽  
Anastasiia TURGENIEVA ◽  
Yuliia RYBINSKA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Social Practice ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
The Social

The need for R&D of social workers was due to the development of theoretical and methodological approaches and concepts of social work, the application of which involved the use of specific research tools. It is substantiated that the research subsystem of social work can be represented in the form of a model of the research environment, which reflects the relationship of three components: the social problem, methods of its research and tools for solving. The dialectical nature of social work, as well as the dynamic conditions in which it is carried out, determine a set of socio-economic, managerial and pedagogical factors that actualize the need for research in the social field. It is substantiated that R&D today is an integral element of professional social practice and is implemented both in the process of working with different categories of clients and in administrative and managerial activities. R&D provides adequate social order development of targeted comprehensive programs, projects and technologies of social protection, design and implementation of models of social institutions and services. As a result of a comprehensive study of the problem, the essential characteristics of R&D were clarified, which means the activity of obtaining new scientifically based knowledge aimed at purposeful change of social reality, which is realized in a logical sequence through the use of appropriate forms and methods of scientific knowledge. It is proved that R&D in the system of social work is realized at three levels (reflexive-theoretical, experimental-theoretical and research), each of which involves step-by-step actions (problem definition; hypothesis formulation, choice of research methods and tools; implementation of research plan; evaluation of results) and the use of appropriate research methods.

scholarly journals Empathy: Challenges Experienced by Social Workers in the Healthcare Sector on the Island of Crete, Greece

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 45-52
Author(s):  
Trigoni Maria ◽  
◽  
Mikits Militsa ◽  
Mpanagi Evaggelia ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prior Experiences

Introduction Empathy in social work is one of the most important factors that can bring change in the patient, by developing a productive relationship. The purpose of this study is to explore empathy in the practice of social work, as it is used by professional social workers. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 social workers in public health services in Crete. Responses were recorded, and content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings There were differences in the way that social workers perceive the concept of empathy, depending on their prior experiences. It was also found that they are more “sensitive” when patients have a common problem with them. Among the difficulties that prevented them from being empathetic was having “a difficult personal period” that affected their work. This study has also identified the importance of professional training for the development of empathy skills, and the key-role of work experience. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of co-operation between the researchers and the social workers for generating efficacious and valuable information. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of empathy as a necessary skill in the relationship between social workers and patients, and the need for in-depth scientific research and analyze on this issue in Greece.

FEATURES OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION OF SOCIAL EMPLOYEES IN PRACTICE IN HIGH SCHOOL OF POLAND

2019 ◽  
pp. 22-35
Author(s):  
Zhanna Shevchenko
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Worker ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Professional Preparation ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Social Sphere ◽  
Development Workers ◽  
Learning Through Experience

The article is devoted to the practical component of the professional training of a social worker in a Polish high school. Conceptual approaches are considered in relation to professional preparation of development workers and experience actualized by them with practical preparation at higher school of Poland. It is found out, that preparation of development workers in Poland is a difficult and dynamic process, that permanently changes in accordance with international standards, normative requirements, social changes and necessities on this type of services. As a result of scientific research, the tendency to introduce professional training in the practice of Polish social workers on the progressive approaches of practical experience in the social sphere of European countries and the United States has been traced. It is noted that the model of structured learning is based on the use of a curriculum on a modular basis. Different teaching methods, especially simulation and activity (training in the "team") are used. Equally important is the acquisition of skills, and the assimilation of the value basis of the student's work. Assessment is based on the criteria of competence. The student works under the direct supervision and supervision of the practice leader. Emphasis is placed on the theory of practical learning through experience. According to the results of the study, the organizational and pedagogical conditions of the organization and content of practical training of social workers in practice in Poland are set out: legislative regulation of general principles of practice and internship in Polish universities; the removal of a significant part of the study load (from 40% to 60%) into the obligatory volume of the organization of students' practice directly at the workplace; continuity of the practical orientation of the educational process to practical learning through experience in practice; compliance of modules of practical training programs in practice under the Framework Program for the qualification of a social worker: knowledge, skills, social competences; the variability of the proposals for places of practice for students and the proposed contact letters at the information stands of the departments of social work (pedagogy); provision of means for checking the implementation of modules by trainees through the electronic network, depending on the form of training and the student's capabilities (stationary, correspondence, distance, etc.); providing support for practical training of future social workers in practice (contact hours, independent work, literature to silabases (programs) of practice, etc.); consistency of the procedure for managing and controlling individual programs of student practice from the university and social institution; Settlement of the appointment of students responsible for passing the practice: the coordinator (for bachelors, mainly masters), a mentor, a representative from the practice institution and the manager of the management of the career bureau. The study concluded that the practical component of the program for the training of future social workers in Ukraine should be based on familiarizing students with the European forms, methods and techniques of work, and also involving them in direct and continuous practical activities, under the guidance of experienced mentors and consultants. The exposure of progressive ideas of experience of practical aspect of preparation of development workers in Poland will assist the scientific ground of strategy of development of professional preparation of specialists of social sphere in Ukraine on the stage of her transformation and integration in European and world educational space. The prospects of research of directions of co-operation of establishments of education are certain with employers and other social partners in the process of professional preparation and passing of types of practices by the future specialists of social work.

scholarly journals Receptivity and Readiness for Cultural Competence Training Amongst the Social Workers in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent W P Lee ◽  
Daniel W L Lai ◽  
Yong-Xin Ruan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
The Social ◽  
Competence Training

Abstract This research examined understandings of cultural competence of social workers in Hong Kong, their needs and challenges in serving culturally diverse groups, and their willingness and receptivity to receive cultural competence training by using constructivist grounded theory. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with thirteen frontline and managerial practitioners and educators in training institutions in the social work profession. Data were analysed by identifying major themes. The findings show that social workers in Hong Kong tend to encounter language barriers and various forms of cultural shocks in serving ethnoculturally diverse clients. The professional code of practice is not sufficient in promoting culturally competent practice and there are institutional barriers to the enhancement of cultural competence of the social services. Mainstream social work units are generally not well prepared to provide services to non-Chinese communities. In response to these obstacles, professional training should provide future Hong Kong social workers with opportunities to interact with ethnoculturally diverse communities through service-learning. To tackle institutional racism, leaders should have cultural awareness and promote culturally inclusive practices. Inclusion of staff members from diverse cultural backgrounds would increase the capacity of the organisations to better serve clients of diverse needs. Anti-racism training should be made as an essential professional development component for social work students, practicum students, practitioners and managers.

scholarly journals FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC EXPERIENCE OF PREPARING FUTURE SOCIAL WORKERS TO WORK WITH PERSONS WHO HAVE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Skachkova
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Special Educational Needs ◽  
Social Sphere ◽  
The Us ◽  
Foreign Universities

In the article analyzes the systems for preparing social workers to work with people who have special educational needs in universities in the US and Canada. There are revealed features of education in schools of social work at Columbia’s, Michigan’s and other universities. There are indicated experience of Great Britain, France and Germany in preparing future social workers for working with people with special educational needs. In the article considered programs that offer foreign universities in the preparation of future social workers who wish to work with persons with special educational needs. There are described curricula of the higher educational institutions of these countries, which prepare future qualified social workers to work with persons with special educational needs. There are analyzed reasons for the insufficient preparing of future specialists in the social sphere to work with persons with special educational needs. The general features of the process of teaching students of the specialty "social work" in foreign and domestic universities are indicated, among them the continuity of education, multidisciplinarity of training and the diversity of forms of education. The article shows the distinctive features of the professional training of future social workers for working with people with special educational needs, among which emphasis on practical training in foreign universities, the possibility of choosing a narrow specialization in foreign educational institutions and more stringent conditions for admission.

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