scholarly journals At home: Field education during lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yesse Cox ◽  
David McKenzie ◽  
Bronwyn Powell-Grub ◽  
Liz McCafferty
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Field Education ◽  
Salvation Army ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Difficult Situations ◽  
Work Student ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
At Home

Field education during the 2020 Aotearoa New Zealand Covid-19 lockdown was a new experience for social work educators and students alike. This case study captures the experience of one social work student during this time while on placement at the Salvation Army. Included in the account are the perspectives of the Community Ministries Manager, the placement supervisor and the placement field coordinator. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the student undertook the placement while at home. A pandemic can offer students opportunities to learn about managing difficult situations. Reflection on the experience provided insight into what helped and what could have been done differently. Regular debriefing, supervision and a post- crisis debrief were all important elements that aided the learning and supported the wellbeing of the student.

scholarly journals Overseas social work placements: Can a well-designed workflow contribute to the success of an overseas placement?

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Henley ◽  
Simon Lowe ◽  
Claudia Munro
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Field Education ◽  
Knowledge Development ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
The University ◽  
Practice Implementation ◽  
Work Student

This article reflects on the importance of workflow design for students completing field education as part of a social work degree. Specifically, this article examines this in the context of an Aotearoa New Zealand social work student from the University of Waikato (UoW) completing a final placement at a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Battambang Cambodia, Children’s Future International (CFI). The main body of the article reflects on the advantages of designing an overseas placement approach which is planned to flow from theory development to practice implementation, termed “knowledge development and flow” (Henley et al., in press).

Social work student reflections on training in integrated care: opportunities for social work educators

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Julie Berrett-Abebe ◽  
Nora Padykula ◽  
Maureen Clark ◽  
Ryan Zenevitch ◽  
David Bjorklund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Student Reflections ◽  
Work Student

scholarly journals Animals and social work: An emerging field of practice for Aotearoa New Zealand

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 24-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Walker ◽  
Jenny Aimers ◽  
Claire Perry
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

Social work is traditionally human-centered in practice, even though for many the bond between humans and animals is the most fundamental of daily-lived experiences. The intent of this paper is to reflect on the predominant humanistic basis of social work and to consider the growing evidence for developing a wider perspective to incorporate the human-animal connection into social work practice. Joanne Emmens (2007:9) observes that the human-animal bond is considered by some as ‘…too mainstream (in the sense of being lightweight, cliché or sentimental), or as not mainstream enough…as substantial material worthy of study.’ In this article we argue that the human-animal bond is neither sentimental nor fringe and that our attitudes toward this relationship is based on a construction of western thought. To support this we offer a review of literature that provides evidence of good practice that can move social work beyond a purely humanistic approach to a more holistic view resulting in a more comprehensive toolkit for practice. We explore the literature and practice surrounding the place of animals in social work, both in New Zealand and internationally. In addition, we identify some of the ways the human-animal bond is currently utilised in rehabilitation, therapy, as animal assistants and as an indicator of domestic violence within New Zealand. We argue that this area of research and practice is highly relevant for social work as evidence-based practice. The paper con- cludes by offering some suggestions for discussion within the social work profession, and considerations for social work educators, researchers and theorists. 

scholarly journals Sustaining Trajectories

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-310
Author(s):  
Lamont D. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Black Male ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Degree Attainment ◽  
Academic Majors ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Social Work Programs ◽  
Social Work Program ◽  
Insight Into

While the literature is replete with studies on persistence among students across academic majors, few studies examine the nature of persistence among Black males enrolled in baccalaureate social work programs. This qualitative study offers some insight into how a sample of four Black male graduates from an accredited baccalaureate social work program persisted toward degree attainment. Three themes emerged from this study: (a) family encouragement and support, (b) sense of belonging, and (c) presence of Black male professors. Findings suggest the need for social work educators to consider programmatic initiatives acknowledging the role of families in persistence efforts, facilitating connectedness, and recruiting Black male professors or other Black male mentors.

Still doing what we do: Defining social work in the 21st century

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Staniforth ◽  
Christa Fouché ◽  
Michael O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Indigenous Perspectives ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Work Education

• Summary: Members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) were asked to provide their definition of social work. Over 300 responses were analysed thematically in order to determine if practitioner views corresponded to recent shifts in social work education and theory which emphasized the importance of social change, strengths based perspectives and the importance of local and indigenous contexts. • Findings: The findings demonstrate that while there was some recognition of social change and strengths-based perspectives in the definitions of social work provided, that those working in the field remain focused on ‘helping individuals, families and groups’ engage in change. Respondents did not, for the most part, acknowledge local or indigenous perspectives in their definitions. • Applications: Results from this study may be useful for social work professional organizations, and social work educators, students and future researchers who are interested in the definition of social work and its scopes of practice.

People First: A Case Study in Partnering with the Community

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas D. Bordelon
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Community Organization ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Macro Practice ◽  
People First

This case study demonstrates the process by which a class composed of senior social work students learns macro practice values and skills by partnering with a community organization. The products of this collaboration emerge from the real-life problem scenario in which students, community partners, and the social work educator collaborate to develop the skills necessary to resolve problems. Through community partnership, social work educators are in the position to expand the opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities to practice community organization within the classroom setting.

Improving Social Work Student Competence in Practice With Older Adults Affected by Substance Misuse: Spotlight on the Bronx

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-79
Author(s):  
Stephanie Elias Sarabia ◽  
Justine McGovern
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
New York ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Urban Context ◽  
Abuse Treatment ◽  
Changing Demographics ◽  
Work Student

Through the lens of a case study, this article suggests ways to increase social work student competence in gerontology and substance abuse treatment to better meet needs of growing numbers of diverse clients in urban settings. Focusing on a client residing in the Bronx, New York, it explores how changing demographics and a lack of workforce preparedness can combine in an urban context to increase risks for older adults and reduce quality of life in late life. Aiming to reduce knowledge and service gaps, suggestions are made on how to improve social work student competence. These include interpreting client cases through a theoretical framework to deepen understanding about the intersection of advancing age and substance use and improving treatment skills.

scholarly journals "There is competition": Facing the reality of field education in New Zealand

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Hay
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Field Education ◽  
Regulatory Body ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Group Interviews

INTRODUCTION: Anecdotal evidence of increasing competition for field education placements has raised concerns about the availability of quality learning opportunities for students and so it was considered timely to examine stakeholder perspectives.METHOD: In late 2014, 15 tertiary educators from 11 tertiary institutions and 31 social work students from three Aotearoa New Zealand tertiary institutions engaged with the researcher in individual or focus group interviews on aspects of quality field education.FINDINGS: Overall, the tertiary educators revealed considerable pressure on them to secure quality student placements due to competition with other tertiary providers, limited placement opportunities in some locations, high workloads and inadequate funding. Students recognised these pressures but questioned whether the educators are adequately supported by the tertiary institution. Placement availability was also affected by organisations experiencing funding pressures, placement fatigue, limited space and physical resources, and high workloads.CONCLUSIONS: These qualitative findings raise questions for all the key stakeholders in field education: tertiary institutions, educators, social service organisations, the professional associations, the regulatory body and students. The findings from this study signal the need for a comprehensive, sector-wide examination of the social work field education context in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

scholarly journals Faculty as a Barrier to Dismantling Racism in Social Work Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 500-521
Author(s):  
Ebony N. Perez
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Race And Racism ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Work Education

Facilitating learning around race and racism is often uncomfortable for faculty as well as students. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate the experiences of undergraduate social work educators who teach about race and racism in social work programs. I employed a qualitative case study design to understand the lived experience of undergraduate social work educators who teach race specific content. I employed a combination of purposive sampling and snowballing methods to identify nine participants from the Southeast region of the United States. Utilizing a Critical Race Theory (CRT) framework to analyze interviews, several key findings emerged revealing faculty as barriers to facilitating learning around anti-racist content in the classroom. These findings were a) their own racial identity; b) insufficient formal preparation around race and racism; c) lack of faculty comfort with anti-racist content; and d) lack of skill in teaching anti-racist content. Recommendations include the implementation of scaffolded antiracist content throughout social work curricula that would be required by the Council on Social Work Education as part of the accreditation process.  

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