Challenges for social work Education in Vietnam: Voice of social work students

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-24
Author(s):  
Van Tran Kham

In the early 1990s, some academic institutions in Vietnam introduced the subject of social work into their curricula and began training students in related programs. The training was, however, not internally coherent, and social work education in Vietnam only really emerged in Vietnam in 2004, when the Ministry of Education and Training approved the national curriculum in the field. In 2010, the government of Vietnam recognized the urgent need for social work professionals to solve various social problems and build public welfare, democracy, and the socialist state. Since then, Vietnam’s social work education has developed rapidly. Currently there are around 55 universities and colleges at the national and provincial levels with active social work programs. But social work education in Vietnam faces many challenges. This paper gives  voice to social work students on some of those challenges, including different layers of educators, licensing, materials, and practicum. The paper is based on a survey of, and interviews with, students from 17 universities in Vietnam, and includes concrete recommendations for improving the professional training of social work students.

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-59
Author(s):  
Michele Belliveau ◽  
Kathy Schank ◽  
Sheila Roth

Given the rising cost of higher education, many students begin their academic career in community college. For social work students, this can be a more affordable path to a BSW degree and potential eligibility for advanced standing. This administrative note describes the impact of one state's program-to-program transfer articulation agreement on three social work programs that created a viable transfer pathway for students. Statewide agreements can facilitate a seamless transfer for economically vulnerable students, many of whom come from the communities they will eventually serve. They also present challenges for program autonomy and raise questions for accredited social work education. The authors conclude with recommendations for social work education to promote a more diverse student body and clearer pathways for students who transfer.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Paulette Andrea Henry

<p>The understanding of human rights are important to social work education and practice especially since the global definition of social work highlights the dual role of social work as a practice based profession and academic discipline emphasizing the principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity. Concomitantly, social work education must ensure that students know and understand human rights laws especially since human rights are inherent to all human beings and are often expressed and guaranteed by international law which Governments are expected to uphold. Social workers have a commitment as duty bearers in supporting governments in the upholding of those agreements pertinent to the wellbeing of the people. Using the University of Guyana as a frame of reference this paper examined students’ knowledge on international agreements prior to leaving the University since these laws not only speak to nation states but to universal practices and many social work issues transcend borders. This paper utilized a mixed method approach to ascertain students’ awareness of international human rights laws and their perceptions on the applicability to practice. The findings show that there is limited knowledge amongst social work students on human rights covenants and conventions. This assessment is instructive to social work educators locally and internationally pointing to the need for integration into the curricula. It is imperative that generalist practitioners leave the University with a clear understanding of these laws as many practice issues are transnational. There will be the need for international social work to be a taught course for undergraduates training to become generalist practitioners.</p>


Author(s):  
Julia M. Watkins ◽  
Jessica Holmes

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 2130-2147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adi Barak

Abstract This research study explored the perspectives of social work students (n = 118) in the final semester of their studies regarding the implementation of critical social work in their future practices. Using performance ethnographies to collect data, students were asked to share their perspectives about implementing critical social work both in individual interventions and as a way to change the practice of mainstream social work organisations. Research ethnographies were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological approach, in an attempt to describe the shared essential experience of participants. Results demonstrated that students are influenced by several lines of thinking that come into direct conflict with one another: (i) they feel that critical social work is essential for individual interventions while also feeling that critical social work is not a priority for individual interventions and (ii) they feel that critical social work should and could change mainstream social work organisations while also feeling that critical social work should not and could not change mainstream social work organisations. These results contribute to a better understanding of the barriers in implementing critical social work, as well as the dilemmas and questions that should be addressed in social work education. Implications for social work education are outlined.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Amadasun ◽  
Tracy Beauty Evbayiro Omorogiuwa

Purpose As the next generation of social workers in a continent bedecked by oppressive customs, it is cardinal that the voices of social work students be heard. This study aims to share the reflections of Nigerian BSW students about anti-oppressive approach to professional practice. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted among fourth-year social work students at one of the elite universities in the southern region of Nigeria. Findings Results reveal that, although willing to challenge oppressive practices, social work students are ill-equipped to apply anti-oppressive approach to social work practice in Nigeria. Research limitations/implications This study makes an important contribution to the field and to the existing literature because the findings have broader implications for social work education in Nigeria. Practical implications In enforcing the suggestions of this study, it is expected that social work education will become able to produce competently trained students who are only knowledgeable about anti-oppressive social work but are equally prepared to address Nigeria’s myriad oppressive practices that have long undermined the nation’s quest for social development. Social implications The application of the anti-oppressive approach to social work practice is integral to ridding society of all forms of overt social injustice and other forms of latent oppressive policies. Originality/value Suggestions are offered to Nigerian social work educators toward ensuring that students are not only well equipped in the understanding of anti-oppressive social work but also ready to apply this model to professional social work practice following their graduation.


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