How do we prepare students for the challenges of social work? Examples from six countries around the world

Bibliographic Data

ID21495643
AuthorsPia Tham (0000-0003-4155-810X, University of Gävle, corresponding author), Paula McFadden (0000-0002-6025-5107, University of Ulster), Erica Ru (0000-0001-9883-430X, Gold Coast Campus, Southern Cross University), Andreas Baldschun (The Center of Expertise on Social Welfare in South-East Finland), Paul Blakeman (0000-0001-8535-194X, Nottingham Trent University), Austin Griffiths (0000-0002-6670-3150, Western Kentucky University)
Year2023
Volume42
Issue4
Pages494-510
Publication date2023-05-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Work Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0261-5479 • E-ISSN: 1470-1227
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02615479.2021.1976135
OpenAlexW3196728159
LanguageEN
Citations received16
References cited57

In this paper we provide a descriptive comparison of the similarities and differences between social work education at six different universities situated in Australia, England, Finland, Northern Ireland, Sweden, and the United States. The aim was to begin an international conversation by examining the similarities and differences in these examples, around admissions and recruitment processes, professional training, and field practicum to prepare social work students for practice and to consider any implications that differing models of recruitment and training might have for the students’ preparedness for the challenges of social work. The findings reflect common characteristics relating to the curriculum, such as skills training, reflective practice and application of theory into practice. Differences include a range of approaches to professional regulation, admissions and selection, duration of courses and practicum during training. The complexities of trying to measure similarities and differences across diverse models of education are recognised, including the difficulties stemming from different factors being relevant in diverse geographic regions across diverse contexts. The authors suggest that starting an international discussion allows us to learn from one another and may serve as a catalyst for future progress in this area

Conversation · Curriculum · Medical education · Pedagogy · Political science · Practicum · Preparedness · Professional development · Public relations · Situated · Sociology · Interprofessional Education and Collaboration · Medicine · Psychology · Research in Social Sciences · Social Work Education and Practice · Social Work

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