Showing papers in "Journal of Teaching in Social Work in 1993"
TL;DR: This article found that the majority of MSW students reject both a belief in the individual cause of poverty and an aversive orientation toward the poor, and do not perceive the poor as being anywhere near as financially deprived as they are in actuality.
Abstract: Data were obtained from 137 MSW students in three schools of social work about the students' beliefs about and attitudes toward the poor. These students reject both a belief in the individual cause of poverty and an aversive orientation toward the poor. However, they have sever misperceptions about the economic situation of the poor and do no perceive the poor as being anywhere near as financially deprived as they are in actuality. Implications for social work education are explored.
40 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that both graduate and undergraduate social work students have high levels of anxiety as they prepare to enter field practicums and made suggestions for lessening pre-placement anxiety and increasing students' feelings of preparedness.
Abstract: Data from this exploratory study suggest that both graduate and undergraduate social work students have high levels of anxiety as they prepare to enter field practicums. A survey of 255 students identified self-doubts, time and stress management concerns, as well as interviewing and counseling related concerns. Undergraduates were twice as likely to express self-doubts as graduate students and reported higher levels of anxiety. Suggestions are made for lessening pre-placement anxiety and increasing students' feelings of preparedness.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a methodology for the hard but necessary work of addressing white racism in the context of journal writing in pairs, or Dialogue, which offers an opportuinity to reflect and to consider action at three inter-related levels: the personal, the interpersonal, and the sociopolitical.
Abstract: Journal writing in pairs, or Dialogue, offers a methodology for the hard, but necessary work of addressing white racism. Journals offer an opportuinity to reflect and to consider action at three inter-related levels: the personal, the interpersonal, and the sociopolitical. The context and ideas that generated this project and the methodology are described, and excerpts are provided to illustrate the processes of change. We conclude with critique and suggestions for use of this approach by faculty, agency staff, and interested others.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, data from 162 MSW students were analyzed to test the propositions that social work students have high levels of anxiety about research and statistics and that this anxiety has a detrimental effect on students' performance.
Abstract: Data from 162 MSW students were analyzed to test the propositions that social work students have high levels of anxiety about research and statistics and that this anxiety has a detrimental effect on students' performance in a required research and statistics course. Levels of anxiety about research and statistics were very varied and only 12% of the stuents bad "very high" levels of anxiety. The relationships between such anxiety and performance in the course was not statistically significant. Anxiety reduction activities may be appropriate for humane reasons but the activities are not likely to increase students' learning of research and statistics.
18 citations
TL;DR: This paper describes the evaluatin of a weekly school-based MSW field seminar with multiple purposes, among which was the integration of classroom and field learning.
Abstract: This paper describes the evaluatin of a weekly school-based MSW field seminar with multiple purposes, among which was the integration of classroom and field learning Both students and seminar instructors found the primary purpose of the seminar to be one of professional support Knowledge integration was reported by participants to have taken place more often in structured vs unstructured group sessions Student suggestions have implications for such a seminar as a learning lab as well as a forum for professional growth and self-awareness
15 citations
TL;DR: The authors showed that at least one subtest of the GRE (reading comprehension) is not a valid method of assessmnet and call into question whether reading comprehension is a valid predictor of academic success in graduate school.
Abstract: The Graduate Record Examination developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service is purported to be a valid predictor of academic success in graduate school. A large number of graduate school sof social work require applicants to submit their GRE scores as a part of the admissions process, and such scores are often a major factor in deciding to admit prospective students. In a test of the validitiy of the GRE, we adminsitered a reading comprehension subtest of the examination to 78 first year M.S.W. students, having first blanked out the relevant paragraphs of text, and asked the students to select the 'best' of the five available multiple choice answers for each question. Although chance would suggest that the average score for these students should be about 20% correct (one out of five), in actually our students achieved an average score 36% correct. These results suggest that at least one subtest of the GRE (reading comprehension) is not a valid method of assessmnet and call into question ...
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a method for baccalaureate social work students to learn about communities through intensive case studies and identify community strengths, rather than understanding communities solely on the basis of "problems".
Abstract: This paper presents a method for baccalaureate social work students to learn about communities through intensive case studies. Examples of students' experiences studying contrasing communities in a midwestern metropolitan area are presented. Following these examples, suggstions are made for organizing and supervising community studies at the B.S.W. level. Integrating community studies into the curriculum offers several distinct advantages. First, students develop a broad understanding of the community and gain an appreciation for the rewards and challenges of community practice. Second, rather than understanding communities solely on the basis of "problems," students also identify community strengths. These strengths represent important resources for social work practice. Third, this approach encourages students to use social work skills learned in other courses, thus providing additional opportunities for professional development.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the task of teaching students how to be both consumers and producers of research as necessary correlates of entry level practice and preparation for graduate training, while acknowledging the consumer/producer debate prevalant within the teaching of social work research literature.
Abstract: While acknowledging the consumer/producer debate prevalant within the teaching of social work research literature, this paper accepts each goal as appropriate for undergraduate research. The paper focuses therefore not on the debate but rather on the task of teaching udnergraduates how to be both consumers and producers of research as necessary correlates of entry level practice and preparation for graduate training. Micro-computes often distinguish progressive educational practices from those considered to be old-fashioned. While micro computers can provide interactive learning, investigative labs, and hands-on experience, they do so mainly in the realm of data analysis. It is argued here that such approaches inadequately address the need for students to obtain comparable experience in the realm of problem conceptualization. This paper reports on a successful attempt to provide equivalent interactive, investigative and hands-on training in conceptualization and discusses curricular ways to strengthen und...
11 citations
TL;DR: A survey of accredited schools in the U.S. that offer both the MSW and BSW degrees questioned respondents about their current patterns of managing field instruction activities as discussed by the authors and the findings of this survey provide a description of characteristics of field education in these schools as well as suggest implications for further development of this domain.
Abstract: The Council on Social Work Education mandates educationally directed, coordinated, and monitored field practicum experiences for all social work students. This key component of the social work curriculum requires personnel, resources, and a management structure to accomplish its objectives. A survey of accredited schools in the U.S. that offer both the MSW and BSW degrees questioned respondents about their current patterns of managing field instruction activities. The findings of this survey provide a description of characteristics of field education in these schools as well as suggest implications for further development of this domain.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a two-year experiment with teaching courses through satellite and microwave video technology to off-campus programs is described and discussed, and curriculum recommendations are drawn, and students and teachers were interviewd, student evaluation forms were assessed, and responses to a special questionnaire were tabulated.
Abstract: In this paper, a two year experiment with teaching courses through satellite and microwave video technology to off campus programs is described and discussed, and curriculum recommendations are drawn. For this evaluation, students and teachers were interviewd, student evaluation forms were assessed, and responses to a special questionnaire were tabulated. Social work educators need to be aware of and consider the potential uses and misuses of these new technologies, and this paper is written to inform, raise questions and stimulate discussion so informed pedagogical choices can be made.
9 citations
TL;DR: A unique and innovative graduate curriculum for educating master level social workers in intensive family preservation practice is described, including a description of the curriculum design, student recruitment activities, and the unique university/agency partnership.
Abstract: Public Law 96-272, the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act, ushered in a new era in child welfare. Home-based programs designed to prevent out-of-home placement of children expanded rapidly. Today, many agencies struggle to hire and maintain staff who are well trained in the knowledge, values, and skills of family preservation practice. This paper describes a unique and innovative graduate curriculum for educating master level social workers in intensive family preservation practice. It includes a description of the curriculum design, student recruitment activities, and the unique university/agency partnership.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors outline an information and procedural knowledge base useful in preparing students for fieldwork in correctional institutions, which can provide rich and challenging educational opportunities for students, while preparing them for future employment.
Abstract: Although social work has largely abdicated its historical role in the field of corrections, the need for social workers in correctional institutions is greater than ever as the number of incarcerated individuals soars. Fieldwork experiences in these settings can provide rich and challenging educational opportunities for students, while preparing them for future employment. Many faculty are unfamiliar with correctional facilities however, and few School of Social Work have academic coursework or organized fieldwork curricula in correctional social work. This article outlines an information and procedural knowledge base useful in preparing students for fieldwork in correctional institutions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the process of separation from the client and termination of treatment, focusing on the results of an investigation of the perception by welfare clients of the treatment they received from social work students assigned to their case in fulfillment of the practical training requirement of the School of Social Work at the University of Haifa.
Abstract: This study focuses on the process of separation from the client and termination of treatment. It relies on the results of an investigation of the perception by welfare clients of the treatment they received from social work students assigned to their case in fulfillment of the practical training requirement of the School of Social Work at the University of Haifa. A model for working through the separation phase is offered. The special significance of separation is discussed in regard to two populations consisting, on the one hand, of students in a life-transition stage. The implications of the findings are considered as these apply to the social work curriculum.
TL;DR: In this paper, a problem-based, modular course that identifies the appraisal questions for all aspects of a research article-literature review, research design, methods, etc.-and takes into account the author's perspective and approach, a range of research methodologies, and the level or type or social work practice is described.
Abstract: Teaching students and practitioners how to read the social work research literature for application to social work practice is a challenge. However, the research appraisal skills can be taught. Currently there are no critical appraisal models in social work education that consider the diverse nature of social work practice and examine the range of research appraoches and methodologies utilized in the social work research literature. A problem-based, modular course that identifies the appraisal questions for all aspects of a research article-literature review, research design, methods, etc.-and takes into account the author's perspective and approach, a range of research methodologies, and the level or type or social work practice is described.
TL;DR: In this article, a course designed to prepare dual MSW/MPH program students and other students in schools of social work and public health to take active roles in promoting social change to improve the health status of women and people of color is described.
Abstract: This paper describes a course designed to prepare dual MSW/MPH program students and other students in schools of social work and public health to take active roles in promoting social change to improve the health status of women and people of color. The course embodies the belief that the curriculum must be transformed in fundamental ways, so that non-dominant groups are the central focus. Didactic and experiential teaching strategies are described, and barriers to teaching content about race and gender are addressed.
TL;DR: In this article, a series of teaching units on psychopharmacology that are targeted specifically to alleviate the medication related dilemmas of the social worker are proposed, and the authors propose creative strategies for integrating these materials into curriculum.
Abstract: Social work students who move into the mental health field often realize that their education has failed to provide a foundation in aspects of psychopharmacology needed to meet real life role expectations. In an attempt to close this gap between current practice in mental health and current curriculum, this paper suggests a series of teaching units on psychopharmacology that are targeted specifically to alleviate the medication related dilemmas of the social worker. In addition, the paper proposes creative strategies for integrating these materials into curriculum and provides a comprehensive bibliography for further study.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the significance of personal treatment to the emerging professional roles of advanced graduate students in clinical social work, focusing on the educative value of treatment which includes the therapist as model, integration of theory with skills, enhancement of empathy, understanding the helping process and personal treatment as a complement to supervision.
Abstract: Previous research, conducted primarily in psychology, indicates that many practitioners in the core mental health professions enter psychotherapy at some point in their careers. This may occur during the period of professional training. Several studies suggest that personal psychotherapy has a mixed but mainly beneficial effect on practice. The research reported here explores the significance of personal treatment to the emerging professional roles of advanced graduate students in clinical social work. The paper focuses on the educative value of treatment which includes the therapist as model, integration of theory with skills, enhancement of empathy, understanding the helping process and personal treatment as a complement to supervision.
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey of graduate social work students and faculty sought suggestions on ways to reduce student stress and increase student coping and found that faculty appear primarily interested in enhancing student coping but are reluctant to modify the academic environment.
Abstract: Studies have identified a list of stressors in higher education. The next step is to identify ways to reduce student stress and increase student coping. A survey of graduate social work students and faculty sought suggestions on ways to accomplish this. It also examined the degree to which students and faculty agree or differ on what should and can be done. The findings indicate that there are few areas of faculty/student agreement regarding changes in curriculum and program structure whereas there is much agreement regarding providing student support services. Faculty appear primarily interested in enhancing student coping but are reluctant to modify the academic environment.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the majority of students are willing to provide services although there are substantial variations in comfort about the services.
Abstract: This study examines comfort and willingness of graduate social work students to offer services to the AIDS population and AIDS fear, AIDS knowledge and AIDS attitudes as predictors of comfort and willingness to provide several services. Sixty-one graduate students were presented case situations depicting a person with AIDS and the provision of five types of services: individual counseling, group leading, transporting, conducting a home vist, and advocating. The results suggest that the majority of students are willing to provide services although there are substantial variations in comfort about the services. The results did not find comfort with the types of services to be influenced by fear of acquiring AIDS. Comfort in a group situation increased as a result of greater knowledge about AIDS. Students' comfort in ahome vist, transportation and advocacy situation were influenced by positive attitudes toward people with AIDS. Alternative interpretation and implications of the findings are explored.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe an introductory three week class experience for first year students conducted on-campus by regular faculty, which focuses on teaching fundamental social work knowledge, values and skills necessary for beginning practice.
Abstract: Professional social work identity development is a gradual process which should be addressed early in graduate education. This paper describes an introductory three week class experience for first years students conducted on-campus by regular faculty. The model goes beyond the usual orientation to practicum; it focuses on teaching fundamental social work knowledge, values and skills necessary for beginning practice. Based upon identity developed as a social construction, this model is designed to be interactive and experiential. The authors indicate positive results with this model over three years and propose it can be replicated in other social work programs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a soical network mapping exercise is designed to teach social work students how to assess a client's social support network, and students gain knowledge about the nature and functions of social networks, types of social support, and relevant factors to be considered.
Abstract: This paper describes a soical network mapping exercise designed to teach social work students how to assess a client's social support network. Through this experiential exercise, students gain knowledge about the nature and functions of social networks, types of social support, and relevant factors to be considered in conducting social support assessments.
TL;DR: In this paper, a training program aimed at preparing 14 social work students to teach AIDS prevention to adolescents at risk of HIV infection was described, and the majority of the students perceived this training not only as helpful in preparing them for the task at hand, but also in improving their overall social work skills and their chances to get a social work job in the future.
Abstract: This paper describes a training program aimed at preparing 14 MSW students to teach AIDS prevention to adolescents at risk of HIV infection (i.e., increase knowledge, alter attitudes and teach risk-reduction behaviors). The majority of the students perceived this training not only as helpful in preparing them for the task at hand, but also in improving their overall social work skills and their chances to get a social work job in the future. In this paper, we also discuss problems related to AIDS prevention that arose during the training, such as rape and risk-reduction precautions and whether or not AIDS counselors should recommend taking the AIDS test.
TL;DR: This paper identified how one school of social work surveyed its major social service environment to obtain perceptions regarding: its interactions with the social service community; the relevance of the knowledge and skills acquired by students; the appropriateness of its curriculum and continuing education program; and its sensitivity to ethnocultural and gender related issues.
Abstract: Schools of Social Work have a responsibility to improve teaching and curriculum relevance through what has been called institutional self-renewal. Their survival and growth often depends on these actions. This study identifies how one school of social work surveyed its major social service environment to obtain perceptions regarding: its interactions with the social service community; the relevance of the knowledge and skills acquired by students; the appropriateness of its curriculum and continuing education program; and its sensitivity to ethnocultural and gender related issues. Implications for other schools of social work are identified.