scholarly journals Perception towards quality and effectiveness of social work education through open and distance learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishnu Mohan Dash
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
School Of Social Work ◽  
Work Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the perception of the students towards the quality and effectiveness of social work education offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through open and distance learning (ODL). Design/methodology/approach The sample size consisted of 150 students, 15 academic counsellors engaged in either teaching or development sectors, or faculty members of School of Social Work of IGNOU. The methods of data collection included interviews and content analysis. Interview schedule for students, interview guide for academic counsellors and interview guide for faculty members were used. Findings The study centres were allotted as per student’s choice. Students were satisfied with the counsellors because of their support, availability, contact, accessibility and assisting the students to clearing their doubts. The study found that the student’s attendance in counselling sessions was found to be negligible, even a large number of respondents were not aware of the ODL system. The study also shows that students face lots of problem with regard to their field work supervision and other components of field work as were also neglected. Practical implications The findings of the study are extremely relevant for formulating necessary guidelines for improving the social work education through ODL mode. The study recommends revision of course materials translated in Hindi language, holding of individual and group conferences regularly as well as proper evaluation of field work reports. Originality/value This is first such study conducted in India to examine the effectiveness of social work education through ODL.

The 5-Year BSW–MSW Program: A New Curricular Option

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-82
Author(s):  
Shirley Simon ◽  
Edward Gumz ◽  
Susan Grossman ◽  
James Marley ◽  
Yolanda Golden
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Admission Process ◽  
Msw Students ◽  
School Of Social Work ◽  
Work Education

This article describes and analyzes the development and implementation of a 5-year BSW–MSW program at a Midwestern school of social work. Key pedagogical and programmatic considerations in the development of such programs are identified. Specific information about the admission process and curricular pathway is provided. Five-year and traditional MSW students are compared on their performance in foundation-level MSW courses. The results of evaluative surveys of faculty members and 5-year students are also presented. The potential role of 5-year programs in social work education is discussed.

scholarly journals Field work supervision through open and distance learning: an Indian perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayantani Guin
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Indigenous Theory ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
E Mail

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the method of field work supervision in BSW and MSW programmes offered through open and distance learning (ODL) at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The key argument of the paper will focus on the fact that despite various challenges, field work supervision through ODL provides lot of scope and flexibility to students, generating a cadre of trained social work professionals. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a case study approach in presenting the various methods employed for field work supervision by the University. This section will highlight the achievements in terms of developing indigenous theory course and the best practices adopted by IGNOU to train social work professionals through adequate and timely supervision in the ODL mode. Findings Field work supervision in the ODL mode poses many challenges, especially when compared to that in the conventional universities. Some of these include irregular meeting of supervisor and student, inability of students to meet supervisor due to several reasons like remote location, poor economic background, lack of leave for working professionals, etc. Research limitations/implications There is a need for developing a mechanism to regularly orient field work supervisors in supervising students in the ODL mode. It is recommended that regular field work practicum workshops be conducted for supervisors and students. Viva for field work could be made mandatory at different regional centres. Field work supervision could be enhanced through the use of technology, namely, Skype, e-mail, WhatsApp, etc. Originality/value The paper describes the various nuances of field work supervision through ODL system. It is an original work and is of great value in understanding the challenges and difficulties encountered by learners and academic counsellors throughout the process of supervision. The paper highlights important recommendations by the stakeholders themselves in mitigating the challenges faced during field work supervision through ODL.

scholarly journals In defence of a university social work education

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 97-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
June Thoburn
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
University Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Work Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the particular characteristics and strengths of mainstream undergraduate and postgraduate university education for social workers. Design/methodology/approach A brief summary of the establishment of the honours degree or M-level qualification as the requirement for registration as a social worker in England is followed by a summary of the main aspects of “mainstream” social work courses. The values underpinning a “student” rather than a “trainee” route into social work are explored and some limited comparisons made with recently introduced fast-track specialist programmes. Where relevant, the student experience is contrasted with that of fast-track specialist trainees. Findings The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential impact on the social work profession and on agencies providing social work services of the cuts over the past few years in the numbers of students on “generalist” mainstream social work programmes. Research limitations/implications This is a conceptual paper. It recognises that more information is available on long-established university programmes than on the more recently available fast-track routes into social work and cites relevant research. Practical implications The paper points to the changing balance between numbers entering social work in England via mainstream and fast-track specialist programmes and argues for a fuller debate amongst all stakeholders as to whether this change is in the interest of the profession and those who need social work services. Social implications The author argues that the unequal level of funding between the different entry routes into social work is distorting choice (for students and future employers) between fast-track specialist and mainstream social work education. It is hypothesised that differences between the curricula and learning experiences of the two routes may have an impact on the social work service available to vulnerable people across age and needs groups. It also points to a potentially negative impact on social work education and the knowledge base of the reduction in numbers of academics with both social work practice experiences and research qualifications. Originality/value This is an original paper that draws on the author’s experience and the published research and grey literature cited.

Lewis, Harold

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Reisch
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Child Welfare ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
Social Worker ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Hunter College ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
School Of Social Work ◽  
Work Education

Harold Lewis (1920–2003), social worker and activist, was Dean of Hunter College School of Social Work for twenty years. He published widely on social work values and ethics, epistemology of practice, child welfare, social welfare administration, and social work education.

Council on Social Work Education

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia M. Watkins ◽  
Jessica Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Educational Innovation ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Development Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
Work Programs ◽  
Social Work Programs ◽  
Work Education

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides leadership in social work education through faculty development, research, and accreditation of baccalaureate and master's social work programs. As of February 2012, 689 social work programs were accredited by CSWE. These programs represent an estimated 7,500 faculty members and 82,000 students at the baccalaureate and master's levels. CSWE promotes continued educational innovation and relevancy through setting accreditation standards, which are regularly revised by volunteer representatives from the social work education and practice community and approved by the CSWE Board of Directors.

Pray, Kenneth

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larraine M. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Prison Reform ◽  
Social Planning ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Charities ◽  
School Of Social Work ◽  
Work Education ◽  
The University

Kenneth Pray (1882–1948), a leader in social work education, worked for the Public Charities Association and was interested in prison reform. He also served as director of social planning and administration at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Work.

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