Examines the problems that elementary school teachers perceive in teaching social studies in the Eastern Caribbean. Reveals that respondents identified nine problems; the most often mentioned were a lack of resource materials, invariability in teaching strategies, lack of administrative support, and negative attitudes of teachers and students…

Describes the "sociological imagination," which suggests an ability to create possible reconstructions of larger social forces which affect peoples' lives, through a story about Muhammad Ali. Discusses the importance of stories and their role in society. Utilizes three more stories to address various issues in relation to literacy learning. (CMK)

Two articles and rebuttals provide contrasting views on whether convicted felons should automatically be denied admission to a social work education program. One view focuses on the importance of the gatekeeping role in the profession whereas the other emphasizes the special understandings that such an individual, if truly reformed, can offer the…

A qualitative survey explored the professional educational experiences of 63 Native American social workers and social work students. Most respondents identified the need for more cultural content in the curriculum, personal struggles experienced in pursuing an education grounded in Anglo cultural norms, but also available supports, especially…

A survey of 120 African American and other Black (West Indian) graduates of two masters level programs in social work examined enrollment and career influences. Respondents identified as "very important" influences opportunity for career advancement, acquisition of new skills, professional status and credibility, and understanding professionalism…

Describes use of an interactive Web forum to provide a safe vehicle for social work students to dialogue concerning the dynamics of social oppression and cultural diversity. Analyzes usage patterns of the website and data from student evaluations. Offers recommendations for using computer technology to meet the challenges inherent in teaching…

Telephone interviews with 150 deans, directors, and executive directors within the social work profession examined how respondents perceive social work leadership. Findings define leadership within the social work profession and find social work leadership different from other professions. Participants also identified essential skills for social…

Discusses the need to train clinical practitioners in social work to address ongoing issues of oppression. Describes a second-year Master's in Social Work clinical practice sequence taught from feminist, poststructuralist, postmodern, and social constructionist perspectives, where students learn to assess the impacts of oppression, discover…

Identifies challenges to the social work profession in an aging society including the shortage of gerontological social workers, lack of gerontological expertise and competence, negative attitudes towards older adults, inadequate social work curricula in aging, and cutbacks in federal resources. Offers strategies for enhancing gerontological…

Identifies six developments shaping the future of social work practice and field education, including: (1) economic globalization, (2) the changing political climate, (3) the growing use of technology, (4) demographic shifts and their impact on cities, (5) the changing nature of social service agencies, and (6) changes in universities. (Author/DB)

Reviews key concepts and applications of chaos theory and the broader complex systems theory in the context of general systems theory and the search for a unified conceptual framework for social work. Concludes that chaos theory shows promise as a solution to many problems posed by the now dated general systems approach. (DB)

Analysis of data from a survey of 105 social work students found significant relationships among hardiness (the ability to manage difficulties), spiritual well-being, and self-esteem. Spiritual well-being and hardiness were found to be strong predictors of self-esteem. Discusses the need to explore the role of spiritual well-being and implications…

Compares masters in social work field instruction at one local and two distance campus locations. Presents a four-step methodology for designing, implementing, and evaluating such programs. Data from 1,578 students includes their perceptions of local and home-campus program resources, program responsiveness to local agency structures and culture,…

Evaluates a distance education program that offered all undergraduate social work courses over an interactive television network to four rural sites. Found few differences in satisfaction and student outcomes between on-campus and distance cohorts. An alumni survey seven years after program termination found all graduates licensed to practice…

Oral history can be done without sophisticated technology, involves students actively in history, and generates enthusiasm and tangible products. Eleven projects are suggested, ranging from classroom to interdisciplinary community research. A bibliography cites 19 books about oral history programs for social studies classes. (AV)