Teaching for Transformation: Master of Social Work Students Identify Teaching Approaches That Made a Difference

2019 ◽  
pp. 154134461986594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thecla Damianakis ◽  
Betty Barrett ◽  
Beth Archer-Kuhn ◽  
Patricia Samson ◽  
Sumaiya Matin ◽  
...  

Transformative learning captures the process by which students engage in their learning, experience a change in perspective, of themselves or society, and then enact their new understanding. The purpose of this 4-year, four-cohort study was to identify the transformative learning experiences of Master of Social Work students and specific student engagement strategies they felt made a difference in preparing them for professional practice. Six focus groups ( n = 40) were conducted using established focus group methodology. All focus groups were audio recorded, professionally transcribed verbatim, and subject to qualitative content analysis. Students identified six themes in student engagement strategies that facilitated their transformative learning, including transformative aspects of the curriculum, experiences with peers, qualities in their relationships with faculty that fostered critical reflection, a sense of identity, and mentoring. This study will help educators better identify teaching strategies to engage students in their personal and professional transformative learning.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 160940692098604
Author(s):  
L. Y. Saltzman ◽  
L. D. Terzis ◽  
T. C. Hansel ◽  
J. M. Blakey ◽  
D. Logan ◽  
...  

Project Title: Psychosocial Reactions to a Global Pandemic: A Diary Study During COVID-19. Design: The study uses a mixed methods design that includes both a cross-sectional quantitative survey and qualitative diary entries submitted online eight times by student participants. Context of Study: The study timeline spans the full shutdown, phase 1 reopening, and phase 2 reopening of New Orleans Louisiana. Objectives: The study has three primary objectives: (1) To better understand the experiences of Social Work Students during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) To explore risk and protective factors that influences Social Work Students’ ability to cope with stressors and changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; and (3) to track changes over time in coping among Social Work Students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Population: Current Master of Social Work (MSW) Students enrolled at Tulane University during the COVID-19 Pandemic will be invited to participate in this study.


Author(s):  
Judy L. Leflore ◽  
Mary Lou Bond ◽  
Mindi Anderson ◽  
Susan Baxley ◽  
Desiree A. Díaz

Background: This program evaluation used qualitative methodology to describestudents’ expectations, concerns, needed supports, and experiences in a yearlongInterprofessional Education program.Methods and Findings: Focus groups were used to obtain the views of nurse practitionerand Master of social work students. Students participated in focus groups atthe program beginning and completion. Interprofessional education competencies,expectations, and concerns were examined. Results showed that at the beginning,students indicated a desire to understand the other’s professional role. They alsoexpressed concerns. During the post-program interviews, students indicated adesire to have had more classes and work together in clinical practice. Limitationsincluded a lack of participation of all students in the final focus groups.Conclusions: Student input in a program is essential. Further research is needed.Keywords: Interprofessional education (IPE); Qualitative research; Student evaluation;Graduate education


Author(s):  
Ramune Bagdonaite-Stelmokiene ◽  
Vilma Zydziunaite

<p><em>The article presents the results of qualitative research carried out with</em><em> 53 social work students</em><em> in Lithuania.</em><em> The research focused on the personal change in social work students taking place during the professional practice in which students establish relationships with different participants in the practice. . The use of unstructured reflection as a data collection method enabled students to remember, think over and put their practice experiences in writing. The data were analysed by applying grounded theory </em><em>(Strauss &amp; Corbin, 1990). Findings revealed that social work students differently experience the establishment of relationships in the professional practice. These experiences lead to students’ professional growth and personal change. The findings provide an opportunity to deepen the knowledge about students’ experiences of relationships. These new experiences can promote students’ self-awareness, the change of worldviews, beliefs and values as well as adding the new trends for the analysis of goals in professional practice of social work.</em></p><p> </p>


Author(s):  
Ginka Mehandzhiyska

This article presents results from research on preferences of social work students (n=60) towards particular methods and forms when practicing their profession. A conceptual model has been applied, where measurements and analysis lead to identification of two methodological orientations: micro- and macro-orientation. Based on research data conclussions are made about the profile of the students' interests for practicing the social work profession in particular areas and settings. Presented analysis concludes that social work education prepares professionals with profiles relevant to the needs of social work practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 709-724
Author(s):  
Dawn Apgar

Much effort has been made to increase the number of social work students in macro practice specializations in graduate school. Despite the development of pedagogical techniques which have shown to increase interest in and appreciation for macro practice, the proportion of macro students has stayed low and stable over time. Using survey data collected from 474 Master of Social Work students and graduates, this exploratory study identified both structural and attitudinal barriers which impede specialization in macro practice. Data reveals that despite exposure to these methods, those whose original motivation to enter the profession was based on a desire to do clinical work are unlikely to concentrate on macro practice. Structural barriers such as the lack of availability of macro programs also prevented increased specialization in macro practice. Social workers who are Black/African American are more likely to concentrate in macro practice, perhaps due to a recognition of the need for systems change in the United States to promote equal opportunities and rights for those who have historically been marginalized. Findings indicate that current efforts to increase the number of graduates with macro specializations may not be effective. Treatment of macro methods as a specialization, rather than integral to social work education, should be revisited if the profession wants to ensure enough graduates are able to make system-level changes to rectify current societal inequities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-623
Author(s):  
Shauna P. Acquavita ◽  
Bethany R. Lee ◽  
Michelle Levy ◽  
Cheryl Holmes ◽  
Paul Sacco ◽  
...  

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