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ERIC Number: EJ1072674
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Sep
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1940-5847
EISSN: N/A
Enhancing Social Work Research Education through Research Field Placements
Hewson, Jennifer A.; Walsh, Christine A.; Bradshaw, Cathryn
Contemporary Issues in Education Research, v3 n9 p7-16 Sep 2010
The increased focus on the role of research in the social service sector, pressure for practitioners to engage in research and the demand for integration of research and practice challenges faculties about ways in which to engage social work students in research. This paper evaluates a research based practicum program within a social work faculty at one Canadian university aimed at meeting this need. The objectives of the practicum include providing opportunities to integrate research theory/methods with practice; develop a broad range of research knowledge and skills; reduce negative stereotypes; instill passion and excitement for research; and connect students with agencies to engage in community based research. The mixed methods evaluation of the practicum included semi-structured qualitative interviews with former and current directors (n = 2); an online survey with past practicum students (n = 15); and a pre- and post-test attitude/skills assessment, a self reflection journal exercise, and a focus group with students currently in practicum (n = 7). Findings suggest benefits of the research practicum across stakeholders as well as several challenges and opportunities for program enhancement. Research practicum is an innovative way of engaging students in applied research which can augments research capacity, mitigate negative stereotypes about research, and better prepare future social work practitioners.
Clute Institute. 6901 South Pierce Street Suite 239, Littleton, CO 80128. Tel: 303-904-4750; Fax: 303-978-0413; e-mail: Staff@CluteInstitute.com; Web site: http://www.cluteinstitute.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A