Showing papers in "The Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work in 2012"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of a poverty simulation experience in an undergraduate policy class to counter the trend that diverges from the profession's original mission of serving the poor and challenging economic injustice.
Abstract: The social work profession has been criticized for abandoning its mission to serving the poor and challenging economic injustice. The authors’ evaluation study examines the effectiveness of a poverty simulation experience in an undergraduate policy class to counter the trend that diverges from the profession’s original mission. The poverty simulation was designed to emphasize the structural contributions of poverty, dispel myths about people who live in poverty, and encourage students to remain committed to challenging social and economic injustice. Data demonstrate that the poverty simulation experience increased students’ knowledge of the challenges of living in poverty.
13 citations
TL;DR: A pilot study of student perceptions of human sexuality is described, which describes how attitudes about sexuality change and how social workers may confront client issues and/or problems related to human sexuality.
Abstract: As attitudes about sexuality change, social workers may confront client issues and/or problems related to human sexuality. This article describes a pilot study of student perceptions of human sexuality curriculum content and their views regarding their sense of preparedness and anticipation in dealing with this area of practice. A convenience sample of undergraduate students (n=170) from BSW programs at public and private institutions in the northeastern United States completed a study- specific questionnaire. Preliminary findings suggest study participants were unable to identify sexuality content within their curriculum. Only 42% (n=71) perceived that they were adequately prepared to handle most sexuality issues, although many anticipate working with clients with sexuality issues in practice. Limitations of the study are addressed. Directions for future research are discussed that may contribute to a better understanding of the delivery of human sexuality content to BSW students.
11 citations
TL;DR: This article found that domestic immersions are associated with changes in universal diverse orientation in social work students from a predominantly rural area of the Upper Midwest of the United States, and they collected quantitative data via pre-and post-trip administrations of a modified version of the Miller-Guzman Universality-Diversity Scale short form and qualitative data in the form of participants' responses to questions related to expectations and assumptions about cultural and racial aspects of life in the host culture.
Abstract: Although information regarding the importance of fostering cultural competence in future practitioners exists in a variety of disciplines, limited data exists concerning the effect of experiential learning opportunities. This research sought to determine the effect that domestic immersion has on levels of cultural competence among undergraduate social work students from a predominantly rural area of the Upper Midwest of the United States. The authors collected quantitative data via pre-and post-trip administrations of a modified version of the Miller-Guzman Universality-Diversity Scale short form and qualitative data in the form of participants' responses to questions related to expectations and assumptions about cultural and racial aspects of life in the host culture. The results indicate that domestic immersions are associated with changes in universal diverse orientation.
8 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the perceptions of bachelor of arts in social work (BASW) students engaged in faculty-mentored research projects and found that the mentorship was beneficial, with the majority reporting improved research skills, increased understanding of research, and a stronger connection to the social work research community.
Abstract: This article examines the perceptions of bachelor of arts in social work (BASW) students engaged in faculty-mentored research projects. Students worked with faculty mentors on various research projects over the course of an academic year. The study assessed the effect of this experience on multiple factors such as skill improvement, interest in research, and perceptions of research. The research team developed a survey to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from participants. BASW students reported that the research mentorship was beneficial, with the majority reporting improved research skills, increased understanding of research, and a stronger connection to the social work research community. The research team identifies changes that could improve the experience and makes suggestions for future programming and research.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an early curriculum-planning model that can be used to increase international content within social work education programs has been proposed to prepare, scan, and plan for increasing international curriculum content.
Abstract: Social work educators are challenged to prepare social work students for practice in an increasingly globalized world. They may respond to this situation with a broad-spectrum planning approach, but knowledge is limited about how to begin. This conceptual analysis proposes an early curriculum-planning model that can be used to increase international content within social work education programs. Educators can prepare, scan, and plan for increasing international curriculum content. They can consider student learning opportunities within classrooms and field sites of their institutions, as well as those of international host institutions, as shown in examples drawn from the social work education literature. The model provides a place for social work educators to begin the journey of international curriculum planning and enhancement.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, two faculty members developed, implemented, and monitored an online learning community for social work students and found that involvement in a learning community has been shown to increase self-worth and social support, as well as decrease social isolation.
Abstract: Social work students struggling to manage work, family, education, and other obligations may become isolated from peers and faculty members. There is a need to develop innovative methods to facilitate communication across barriers of time and distance. Studies have demonstrated the potential for online communication to allow for broader participation from diverse groups of students. Involvement in a learning community has been shown to increase self-worth and social support, as well as decrease social isolation. Technology may help create accessible learning communities as well as facilitate the coempowerment of students enrolled in such communities. Two faculty members developed, implemented, and monitored an online learning community. Findings of the first-year experience with the community, including the results of a student survey, are described.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a program assessment tool for the measurement of all 10 core competencies and 41 practice behaviors, using a simulated case necessitating many of the skills required in practice.
Abstract: The requirement of multiple measures for program assessment set out in the 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) may be challenging for social work programs as the evaluation shifts to student competencies and practice behaviors. This article offers a thorough description of a competency- based capstone project as one program assessment tool for the measurement of all 10 core competencies and 41 practice behaviors. The capstone, using a simulated case necessitating many of the skills required in practice, is second only to field instruction as a competency measure. Appendix A includes an actual capstone assignment as a relevant evaluation tool. Identifying student strengths and weaknesses is an essential component of the capstone assessment. Students begin the capstone after the completion of two field experiences and the majority of the social work curriculum.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a pedagogical strategy using civic reflection to engage undergraduate social work students in self-reflection and intergroup dialogue on civic engagement was presented, which revealed that students had knowledge of civic engagement and increased their level of civic efficacy and motivation.
Abstract: This article presents a pedagogical strategy using civic reflection to engage undergraduate social work students in self-reflection and intergroup dialogue on civic engagement. This module consisted of three components: the Civic Responsibility Behavior Questionnaire, which measured civil, political, and social behavior as well as civic efficacy and motivation; a civic reflection module, which promoted dialogue on associating, serving, giving, and leading via poems and stories; and content analysis, which examined student evaluations of the civic reflection experience. Findings revealed that students had knowledge of civic engagement and increased their level of civic efficacy and motivation. For social work education, assessing students’ level of civic engagement and developing teaching strategies that meet their learning needs are indicated.
3 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that educational exposure to the issues of substance abusers positively affects the knowledge and attitudes of BSW and MSW students regarding this population.
Abstract: In the Northeast, 248 graduating seniors in 10 BSW programs were compared with 454 graduating students in 3 MSW programs regarding educational and experiential opportunities to learn about working with substance abusers, as well as knowledge and attitudes concerning this population. Results indicated that BSW students had far fewer opportunities than their MSW counterparts to learn about substance abuse through courses, training programs, internships, and employment. In regard to working with this population, MSW students demonstrated greater knowledge than BSW students, but no difference in attitudes. In a multivariate analysis controlling for personal, educational, and employment factors, BSW students demonstrated more positive attitudes about working with substance abusers than did MSW students, but the latter still reported greater knowledge. The findings suggest that educational exposure to the issues of substance abusers positively affects the knowledge and attitudes of BSW and MSW students regardin...
2 citations
TL;DR: This paper described how using the requirement of a literature review helped students become critical thinkers, and used the practice of critical reading and critical writing to help students engage their review of the literature with a critical thinking mindset.
Abstract: This teaching note describes how using the requirement of a literature review helped students become critical thinkers. Literature reviews, as assignments, are often difficult for students because of the need for intense writing, analysis, and evaluation. As part of a larger assignment, students read 7 to 10 research articles and discussed them in class. The students were then assigned the task of writing their own literature reviews using the same research articles. The authors explain how using the practice of critical reading and critical writing helped students engage their review of the literature with a critical thinking mindset.
2 citations
TL;DR: Teachers in baccalaureate social work programs are well-positioned to provide beginning or generalist practice education to students who wish to practice in this area.
Abstract: The profession of social work can take the lead in addressing the psycho-social challenges of military service members and their families. To meet this important charge, social work educators should include content on active-duty service personnel, veterans, and their families in classroom and field education experiences. Educators in baccalaureate social work programs are well-positioned to provide beginning or generalist practice education to students who wish to practice in this area. This article discusses the problems faced by veterans during readjustment from active duty to civilian life. Also provided for the baccalaureate-level or generalist practice curriculum are approaches to infusing content on the health and mental health issues of veterans, including a case study that can assist in assessing knowledge of social work competencies and practice behaviors.
TL;DR: The experience of baccalaureate social work students at a university in a Southern state in the provision of veterinary social work services at five RAM spay and neuter clinics is described.
Abstract: The provision of veterinary social work has traditionally required training only available to graduate social work students and professionals. As social work educators continue to define core competencies required for veterinary social work, they must consider how to train undergraduate social work students in this emerging field. Remote Area Medical (RAM) provides such an opportunity. This article describes the experience of baccalaureate social work students at a university in a Southern state in the provision of veterinary social work services at five RAM spay and neuter clinics. The ways in which social work educators might use the RAM model as a service learning opportunity for their students are also explored.