Selling social work education (2) credit when credit is due: A “three year” framework for social work education
Abstract Three year training courses are the ultimate goal for social work education. But changes in the funding of higher education will require more aggressive marketing strategies. It is necessary to consider alternatives to the full-time model beyond the conventional part-time approach. Three schemes for credit exemption are described. Educational opportunity with potential appropriate for social work education exists outside formal course provision. A proposal is made for the incorporation of agency inservice training provision and part-time adult education study into basic qualifying courses, adapting existing precedents and extending the programme provider model. It is suggested that although political obstruction will prevent an early move to a three year model, some of the mechanisms proposed could be incorporated into current planning to safeguard intellectual standards.
Earning and learning: the influence of secondment on retention rates in part-time social work qualifying education in England
Although there is widespread interest in social work education, very little of this has focused on the position of part-time students. This study reports on retention rates among social work students registering for part-time study between 1995-1998 in England, since this time-span is one where student characteristics were collected and can be anonymously linked to data about their chosen programme of study. It shows that students supported by employers were less likely to withdraw before completing their studies. However, access to secondment was differential with students with disabilities appearing to be less likely to be seconded or sponsored. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of new and sometimes controversial routes to social work qualifications in England.
Social Work Processes
Part I The context for deciding what to do: 1. Key Themes for Social Work Practice. Chapter Preview. Social Work, Social Welfare, and Social Sciences Ecological Perspective. Problem Solving. Worker and Client as Partners. Readiness for Practice. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 2. Use of Knowledge and the Ecological Perspective. Chapter Preview. Systems Theory. Ecosystems. Borrowed Knowledge. Knowledge Developed by Social Work. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 3. Problem Solving: A Process for Social Work Practice. Chapter preview. Problem Solving as a Life Process. Problem Solving in Social Work. Defining Client. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 4. Client-Worker Partnership. Chapter Preview. Nature of Worker-Client Partnership. Partnership as Respect for individual Dignity and Uniqueness. Partnership and Self Determination. Worker Self-determination? Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 5. Sources of Authority for Social Work Practice. Chapter Preview. Authority from the Client. Authority from the Profession. Authority from the Agency. Managing Conflicts Among the Sources of Authority. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 6. Ethical Practice. Chapter Preview. Values and Ethics. Primary Ethical Duty is to Clients. Duty of Competent Practice. Advocacy for Social Justice as an Ethical Duty. Maintaining a Professional Relationship and Dual Relations. Rethinking Confidentiality. Ethical Dilemmas. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 7. Relationship in Social Work Practice. Chapter Preview. Development of Relationship. Elements of Relationship. The Helping Person. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. Part II Tools for deciding what to do: 8. Engaging Potential Clients. Chapter Preview. Communication and Social Work. Getting Started. The Tasks of Engagement. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 9. Communicating Across Cultures. Different Communicating Styles. Cultural Competence. Pitfalls to Avoid. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 10. Data Collection and Assessment. Chapter Preview. What is Assessment?. What Data is Needed? Data Collection. Interviewing and Social Work. Processing Data and Decision Making. Assessment as a Continuous Process. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. 11. The Service Agreement. Chapter Preview. Service Agreement. Interventive Roles. Chapter Summary. A Look Forward. Reading. Learning Exercises. References. Part III Tools for doing the decided: 12. Interventive Methods to Mobilize Power. Chapter Preview. Securing Resources for Clients. Increasing Client Awareness of Self. Strengthening Client Communication Skills. Providing Information for Clients.