Roles and Tasks of Field Instructors as Perceived by Chinese Social Work Students

ABSTRACT

From its inception, social work education has consistently embraced the position that field learning is an essential element of professional education. It is through field work that the student has the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom and to learn the skills necessary for effective social work practice

A study conducted by Fortune et at. (1985) on student satisfaction with field placement revealed that the field instructor or supervisor was a link to student satisfaction with the field practicum. Much has been written on the concept and principles of field education, with discussions on the field instructor's functions in field instruction. However, it seems that such discussions vary greatly in their degree of specificity in spelling out the field instruction tasks. On the other hand, relatively little has been reported on how social work students perceive the roles and tasks of field instructors. It seems obvious that students, with first hand experiences in field work practice, can contribute much to the formulation of knowledge in field instruction

Hence, it is vital and essential to study what social work students actually expect of the roles and behaviors of field instructors as contrast to what is written in the theories of field instruction.

This paper attempts to identify the set of behaviours and tasks perceived by students as important to the work of a field instructor. In the process, it is also envisaged that the “anatomy of field instruction” can be better understood through a clear specification of the activities involved.     

Group Projects: Student Perceptions of the Relationship Between Social Tasks and a Sense of Community in Online Group Work

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between specific social tasks and student perceptions of a sense of community during online group work. A survey instrument was developed, piloted, and deployed to 125 students in six different online classes. Results revealed few significant relationships between each of the five social tasks examined and student perceptions of a sense of community during online group work; however, students reported that some social tasks were important. Students seemed to focus more on completing a task for a grade than seeing group projects as part of developing community to enhance learning. This might reflect a lack of understanding by the students of the importance of social tasks to successful group project completion.     

Improving the Research Climate in Social Work Curricula

Abstract

Research courses are associated with performance anxiety and educational insecurity for many social work students. This paper makes the case that student anxiety associated with research courses is rooted in the history of the social work profession, and this history sheds light on the present day climate of research in social work education. The authors suggest that improvement to the research climate in social work education requires an “institutional” response. To that end, this paper describes a committee process that resulted in changes to one school's curriculum policy by revamping student learning objectives for a sequence of five research courses that spanned BSW and MSW programs. The committee produced a continuum of student learning expectations based on Bloom's taxonomy, which represents a logical progression of knowledge and skill competencies as students advance through their course work.     

Disability Discrimination in Social Work Education

Abstract

An overview of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is presented. The article emphasizes that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the federal law upon which the ADA is built. A comparison of Section 504 and the ADA is presented in the paper. An analysis is offered of the case law that has emerged under Section 504 that serves as a guide to the rights and responsibilities of social work programs and faculty under the ADA. Recommendations are made for helping social work programs comply with the ADA in the area of student admissions and retention.     

Adjunct Faculty in Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

Adjunct faculty are growing in numbers and time spent instructing courses in social work programs. This paper describes one school's approach in working with and involving adjunct faculty as significant stakeholders in the overall educational program. The described program incorporates a number of ongoing activities to encourage adjunct faculty to contribute to the academic community beyond the instruction of one course. The paper also identifies additional strategies a social work program may consider to further strengthen the adjuncts? role in academia. The paper concludes with questions for social work educational programs and the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation to recognize and define the position and function of adjunct faculty in social work education.     

The Work of the International Electrotechnical Commission

The IEC has a large number of technical committees and sub-committees working in the fields of electrical, electronic and radio engineering. Many of these committees are doing work which is relevant to educational technology. However, in many cases only a small part of their work is of interest to us. Because most of the work which is relevant to educational technology is in the field of interest of IEC TC60, a special sub-committee under TC60 was established for education.     

Calibrating assessment literacy through benchmarking tasks

Abstract

In calibration tasks students assess exemplar texts using criteria against which their own work will be assessed. Typically, these tasks are used in the context of training for peer assessment. Little research has been conducted on the benefits of calibration tasks, such as benchmarking, as learning opportunities in their own right. This paper examines a dataset from a long-running benchmarking task (～500 students per semester, for four semesters). We investigate the relationship of benchmarking performance to other student outcomes, including ability to self-assess accurately. We show that students who complete the benchmarking perform better, that there is a relationship between benchmarking performance and self-assessment performance, and that students appreciate the support for learning that benchmarking tasks provide. We discuss implications for teaching and learning flagging the potential of calibration tasks as an under-explored tool.     

Development of a Model for Evaluating Social Work Curriculum

Abstract

This paper describes an internal evaluation performed on the BSW curriculum of the School of Social Work of Tel Aviv University, Israel. It focuses on the inductive, participatory method by which the evaluation was designed, and on the measure that was developed. The aim of the paper is to encourage internal evaluation of social work curricula and to provide a model for doing so that others can adopt.     

Independent Study and Project Work: Continuities or discontinuities

This paper raises the issue of whether there are continuities between independent study and project work, or whether there are fundamental differences between these pedagogic strategies. The paper provides a comparative evaluation of a number of published commentaries on the nature of independent study and project work. It identifies different positions in relation to this issue of continuity or difference. The paper also reviews four well established independent study degrees in the UK, in order to identify both common and different features in organisation and practice. These accounts provide the basis for a review of three existing models of independent study and project work. A new, extended and more detailed dimensional model is then developed, proposing that differences are primarily a matter of degree. The value of the new model for curriculum development principally in relation to project work, is then outlined.     

Work‐experience and schools: factors influencing the participation of industry

The growth of work‐experience as part of the school curriculum in such schemes as TVEI, has led to a growing body of literature concerned with the educational, social and political consequences of this trend. However, one aspect of analysis has been neglected by those working in this area. There has been a marked lack of investigation into factors which affect the supply of work placements to schools. Behind this lies an assumption that the participation of industry with schools is a straightforward and easy to accomplish process.

By focusing on some of the approaches exhibited by firms towards the provison of work‐experience, this paper seeks to make problematic the supply of work placements by industry in a market economy. I shall suggest that eductionalists and policy makers may have cause to be concerned not only with the quantity of placements which might be available to them in the future, but with the educational quality of these placements.     

Our Social Work Imagination

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the case for social work, the case that the old truths and fighting spirit of an earlier day-our social work imagination-live on, even in the face of uncaring economic forces and resurrected punitiveness. Sustained by an idealism as old as humankind, members of the profession continue to advocate for the poor, the sick, and the oppressed.     

Digital Ethics in Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

Attention has been given to the revised National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics that guides social worker use of technology. The revision of the NASW Code of Ethics has signaled a transition in the profession toward ethical online practice using modern techniques and contemporary tools. Practicing social workers are applying these new ethical standards, and many social work educators are doing so when using information and communication technologies with students. However, little research focuses on teaching social work students about digital ethics and professional online conduct. This paper explores the importance of preparing social work students for ethical online behavior.     

Integrating Computer Content into Social Work Curricula

Abstract

While recent CSWE standards focus on the need for including more relevant technological content in social work curricula, they do not offer guidance regarding how it is to be assessed and selected. Social work educators are in need of an analytic model of computerization to help them understand which technologies are most appropriate and relevant to the professional development of social work students. This article develops a flexible model that can be used by faculty to assess, develop, and evaluate computer content in their curricula. The model presents a cost-effective approach that takes into account the enormous flux and pace of change in the computer industry.     

From Transition to Work lives: time to integrate student support systems

Abstract

This paper is a discussion of the difficulties individuals who have disabilities face when they leave US federally funded public school programs. Exemplary programs from several sources outside public education are described as models for collaboration. Suggestions are provided for ways in which special education programs in the public schools can promote adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act for their students in the transition from school to post‐secondary school and work. Other programs are highlighted that provide supportive practices that are viewed as necessary to meet the needs of students in schools and in preparation for post‐school life.     

Social Work Values Systems of Chinese Students

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the findings of a study conducted on the social work values systems of social work students in the City University of Hong Kong. A social work values scale composed of six dimensions, namely human worth, potential for change, mutual care, societal responsibility, social participation and freedom to make choice, was constructed. The findings in this study indicated that all batches of students had a common pattern in the ranking of the order of the value dimensions. Not all the value dimensions had an increase in scores with the increase in training and practice experiences. The fieldwork placement was considered by the students as the most important formal channel during trainingin the acquisition of social work values. It is suggested that social work educators need to have a thorough review of the relationship between curriculum design and the inculcation of professional values.     

The Teacher–Learner Relationship: Considerations for Social Work in the Digital Age

ABSTRACT

In light of a rapidly changing educational landscape, this paper will discuss the implications of online education for the teacher–learner relationship, which is a critical aspect of academic and professional development for the social work student. As technology revolutionizes relationships, how will we ensure the intra-and interpersonal nature of social work education? The pursuit of accessible and flexible educational opportunities presently driving social work education threatens to undermine this important alliance. The centrality of relationship is discussed here in the context of current trends in distance learning. Relational-Cultural Theory and Transactional Distance Theory are posited to provide evidence for the significance of relationship in learning.     

Career Paths for Women in Social Work Administration

ABSTRACT

The possibility that gender related educational experiences may be associated with the low percentage of women following administrative careers in social work merits exploration. Using data from an alumni survey, this paper reports on the differing perceptions of experiences by women and men, examines some differences in current professional life, and suggests student advising changes which might encourage women to follow administrative career paths.     

Media Exposure on Student Work: Spotlight on Undergraduate Research

Abstract

This paper describes efforts by the author to engage and motivate students in undergraduate research by giving them a large audience and engaging the media in disseminating their work. I provide an introduction to public relations from the point of view of a mathematics professor, and describe some lessons I have learned in my own attempts to engage newsprint, radio, and television sources in stories about undergraduate research in mathematics. After describing some partially successful early attempts, the paper discusses a recent event in which undergraduate research in mathematics became, briefly, a “hot news item” in Central Washington. The paper concludes with some thoughts about the benefits of this type of work to our students and our profession.     

Adapting Social Work Education to Student Diversity

ABSTRACT

Basic differences in temperament, learning styles, motivation, and interaction styles have major impacts on people yet receive little attention in social work education. Faculty must understand the different ways students learn and be receptive to new patterns of teaching in order to achieve educational excellence. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one tool that identifies specific preferences among individuals that explain difference in learning styles. This paper discusses educational considerations in implementing a “type-sensitive” curriculum in social work education, including strategies for using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to differentiate learning styles and strategies for facilitating educators' and students' ability to appreciate these differences. It examines the ways in which differences in type can complement each other in the educational process. Understanding difference can provide insights into personal, academic, and professional performance, as well as an appreciation of the diversity of client types.