scholarly journals Perspectives on Aging among Graduate Social Work Students: Using Photographs as an Online Pedagogical Activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-173
Author(s):  
Jill Chonody
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Nursing Student ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Student Interest ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Graduate Social Work

The United States is experiencing an aging of the population, and by 2030, 20% of Americans will be 65 years or older (Federal Interagency Forum, 2010). However, for many helping professions, including social work, medicine, and nursing, student interest in gerontological practice is quite low. One international study found that only 5.4% of the more than 1,000 social work students who were surveyed indicated that working with older people was their primary area of interest (Author, 2014a). Finding ways to improve student interest and break down biases against older adults is essential to improve student interest, and incorporating evidence-based activities that can be incorporated into courses that are offered in an online format are increasingly needed as this mode of instruction continues to expand. The current exploratory study sought to pilot a two-part photo-activity in an online graduate social work practice course focused on working with older adults. Quantitative and qualitative results suggest that the activities helped students’ process their views on aging and older people, and most students reported at least some change in their attitudes. The development of innovative ways to engage students online by repurposing technology that they are already using can advance online pedagogy and facilitate critical thinking.

Social Work in Health Care with Older Adults: Future Challenges

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J. Berkman ◽  
Daniel S. Gardner ◽  
Bradley D. Zodikoff ◽  
Linda K. Harootyan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Future Challenges

Dramatic changes in demography, epidemiology, and the financing and delivery of health care have significantly affected the lives of older adults and their families. The authors review current and future trends in aging and health care in the United States and their implications for social work practice in enhancing the health and well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Health care social work in the 21st century requires the development and application of evidence-based knowledge that reflects the interrelatedness of aging, physical and mental health, and intergenerational family processes. The authors demonstrate the value of social work research to issues that are in the forefront of gerontological health care practice, policy, and education.

Graduate Social Work Students' Interest in Working with Older Adults

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene A. Gutheil ◽  
Janna C. Heyman ◽  
Roslyn H. Chernesky
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Graduate Social Work

Promoting Actively Aging: Advancing a Framework for Social Work Practice with Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbra Teater ◽  
Jill Chonody
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theories Of Aging ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Gerontological Social Workers

The United States is experiencing a growing aging population, and the profession will need to increase the number of gerontological social workers. However, the social work profession has been relatively quiet in the debate on theories of aging as well as the development of approaches to social work practice with older adults. This article aims to further advance social work practice by critiquing existing aging theories or frameworks against social work values and ethical principles and by presenting the development of actively aging as a framework to guide practice with older adults. Actively aging considers the interplay between individuals' experiences; their meanings of aging; and their social, environmental, political, and cultural structures. The five principles of actively aging are presented, as well as considerations for future research and theory development on aging.

First Year Graduate Social Work Students' Knowledge of and attitude Toward Older Adults

2003 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zvi D. Gellis ◽  
Susan Sherman ◽  
Frances Lawrance
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Graduate Social Work

scholarly journals ‘I hope to find myself’ Social work students’ initial encounter with practice explored in the context of professional identity

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-38
Author(s):  
Ian Mathews ◽  
Austin Griffiths ◽  
Rachel Hunt ◽  
Kellye McIntyre ◽  
Diane Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Master's Level ◽  
Professional Career ◽  
Education Professional Development ◽  
Professional Social Worker

Abstract: This paper is based on a small scale research study which explores the perceptions and understandings of Master’s level students on the same professional career path but from different national backgrounds; England and the United States. In particular, this study identifies and discusses issues raised by students prior to their first experience of practice education, and explores their evolving understanding of what it means to be, or to become, a professional social worker. In order to provide a theoretical framework for our discussion we adapt and use the work of Eliot Freidson, widely regarded as one of the first theorists to consider the evolution of professions and the acquisition of professionalism.Keywords: social work; practice placements; fieldwork education; professional development; professionalism

Preparing BSW Students for Competency With Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. S-73-S-91
Author(s):  
Susan Allen ◽  
Michele Kelly ◽  
Latoya Brooks ◽  
Marie Barnard
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
The United States ◽  
Matched Pairs ◽  
State University ◽  
Rank Tests ◽  
Gerontological Social Work ◽  
Signed Rank

As the population of older adults in the United States grows, there is an increasing need for social workers to serve this group. This study examines the effects of a gerontological social work curriculum infusion project for baccalaureate social work students at a southeastern state university that was funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation. Attitudes regarding interest in gerontology and perceived competency in gerontology- related skills were assessed pre- and postintervention. Nonparametric Wilcoxon matched- pairs signed rank tests revealed significant increases in interest in pursuing further gerontology- related experience and related competencies. Open- ended reflection comments were analyzed to further understand the students’ experience with the program. Results indicate that infusion of gerontological concepts into the curriculum increased the number of students interested in pursuing careers in gerontology, increased students’ competency with this population, and enhanced their understanding of the unique needs of older adults.

Service Learning: The Effect on BSW Student Interest in Aging

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43
Author(s):  
Judy Singleton
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Student Interest ◽  
Adult Day Care

Strategies for developing and putting into practice an experiential aging-rich learning curriculum for baccalaureate social work students are presented. Specific service learning opportunities required of students in class assignments are discussed. Included in these are projects involving micro social work practice skills with cognitively impaired older adults and macro skills used in completing a retirement center's wellness program assessment and an adult day care program's market ing/community outreach plan. The critical component of reflection for both service learning and field practica is analyzed. A continuing need for faculty to network in both the aging and social work communities is explored as a technique for enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students.

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