Reflective Learning For Social Work

Since the publication of Donald Schön's The Reflective Practitioner in 1983 there has been a dramatic growth of research and writing developing the concept of reflective learning. Surprisingly, there has been little application of concepts of reflective learning to social work education. This volume: ¢ makes accessible for the first time to a social work readership a book which focuses on reflective learning in social work ¢ brings together material on reflective learning from both academic and practice settings ¢ creates a seminal text for educators and trainers in universities and practice settings ¢ has relevance to an international readership, with contributions from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

It is vital that social work students learn to integrate their personal and professional selves if they are to meet the challenges of social work in complex changing environments. This accessible text is designed to enable readers to explore and build on their existing skills and abilities, supporting them to become competent and self-aware reflective practitioners. Reflective Thinking in Social Work uses stories told by a range of social work students to model reflective practice learning. Discussing issues such as identity, motivation to enter the social work profession and lived experiences in the journey into social work, the book brings together stories of hardship, privilege, families, hopes, interests and community activism from many diverse ethnic backgrounds. Each narrative is introduced by the author and ends with a commentary drawing out the key themes and exploring how the reader can use the narrative to enhance their own understanding and critical thinking, and to engage in transformative practice. Framed by an in-depth discussion of available frameworks for reflective practice in different contexts and the importance of narratives in constructing identities, this is an invaluable text for social work students at both bachelor's and master's degree levels.

This book offers unique interdisciplinary insights into developing connections between reflective practice and employability particularly through the lenses of the education and social work professions. It recognises the various meanings that can be applied to the notion of reflection and examines the challenges of using reflective practice in the workplace. The chapters explore the tensions that arise from preparing professionals to be agents of change and concerned with social justice and equity. Further, the book provides much needed perspective on how diverse positions can be identified and leveraged and shared meanings negotiated in the creation of meaningful professional learning resources for early career teachers and social workers and across the career continuum. Bringing together contributions from internationally renowned scholars, Reflective Practice in Education and Social Work is essential reading for early career and experienced professionals in education and social work, academics and practitioners seeking further professional development in reflective practice.

Reflecting back on one's work to determine where one succeeded or failed is crucial in any field, but it's particularly important in social work, where mistakes can cause real harm. In this book, Alessandro Sicora argues for the value of reflecting on our professional mistakes, and he offers a number of tools, for individuals and groups--backed by real-world examples--designed to help social workers at every stage of their career establish a regular, reliable, and effective reflective practice.

A critical characteristic of human service organizations is their capacity to learn from experience and to adapt continuously to changing external conditions such as downward pressure on resources, constant reconfiguration of the welfare state and rapidly changing patterns of social need. This invaluable, groundbreaking volume discusses in detail the concept of the learning organization, in particular its relevance to social work and social services. Contributors join together from across Europe, North America and Australia to explore the development of the learning organization within social work contexts and its use as a strategic tool for meeting problems of continuous learning, supervision and change. The volume addresses a range of important topics, from strategies for embedding learning and critical reflection in the social work learning organization, to the implications of the learning organization for the new community-based health and social care agenda.

An invaluable resource for social work students, educators and practitioners, written by an author team with extensive professional experience.

Reflective practice is a key element of learning and development on social work courses and it is an important aspect of social work practice. This accessible and introductory text explores a range of approaches to reflective practice that will help students become more confident in answering the question 'what is reflective practice?' There are sections on writing reflective journals, communicating well with service users and carers and reflective practice while on placements. Written in three parts, this essential guide starts with a broad exploration of reflection, drawing on key texts that have informed its development. It then moves on to real practice issues including the management of social work practice and interprofessional working. Finally, part three looks at maintaining reflective practice and how to use these skills during your time as a social worker. Fully updated with the Professional Capabilities Framework, this third edition is a must-have for all social work students at the beginning of their careers.

Reflective practice is a key element of learning and development on social work courses and it is an important aspect of social work practice. This accessible and introductory text explores a range of approaches to reflective practice that will help students become more confident in answering the question 'what is reflective practice?' There are sections on writing reflective journals, communicating well with service users and carers and reflective practice while on placements. Written in three parts, this essential guide starts with a broad exploration of reflection, drawing on key texts that have informed its development. It then moves on to real practice issues including the management of social work practice and interprofessional working. Finally, part three looks at maintaining reflective practice and how to use these skills during your time as a social worker. Fully updated with the Professional Capabilities Framework, this third edition is a must-have for all social work students at the beginning of their careers.