A study followed a cohort of 60 social work master's students throughout their program, collecting information on students' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with research at four points. Results indicated students' attitudes became more favorable toward research and more knowledgeable about research methods and statistics, and planned…

A survey of 123 foreign and 81 United State schools of social work investigated the variety and availability of computer hardware and software, extent to which computer-related courses are integrated into the curriculum, and types of computers, uses, and users. Results are reported and curriculum and policy modifications are recommended.…

Drawing on a model of the transition process, two primary factors, developmental needs and the external environment, affecting the younger student in transition to professional social worker are discussed. Strategies for assisting in the transition through intervention in academic advising and teaching roles are also offered. (Author/MSE)

A second-year elective course for graduate social work students in which twentieth-century novels are used to highlight social issues is described. The relationships between art and social realities and literature's usefulness for social policy analysis are discussed. (Author/MSE)

A four-stage teaching model that encourages students to use fiction as a source of mental imagery and insight into social work issues is presented. Teachers can use the stages flexibly for different courses and levels of student expertise. (Author/MSE)

A rationale for requiring content on gay and lesbian issues in the social work curriculum, to decrease homophobic attitudes and prepare students to provide effective practice, is presented. Methods and resources for incorporating lesbian and gay issues in human behavior, direct practice, policy, community organization, and research courses are…

In anticipation of an increased role in facilitating the balance of long term care (LTC) resources for the developmentally disabled, a generic but comprehensive framework for addressing LTC can be incorporated into the social work curriculum. The framework is neither age- nor etiology-specific, but can be used with any population. (Author/MSE)

Educators must prepare social work students to use computers in practice, develop practice-relevant software, and protect and empower those who might be victimized by information technology. Issues and tasks associated with each of these areas are discussed. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 142 social work master's degree students investigated patterns of employment and student status (full- or part-time) and physical and psychological symptoms of stress. Results are examined in terms of recent discussions of stress and multiple role occupancy. Suggestions for supporting stress-prone students are offered. (Author/MSE)

A survey identifying the nature and levels of volunteer work contributed by social work educators is reported. Nearly all educators engage in formal volunteer work and perform a variety of roles in human service agencies. Tenure status and primary teaching area are positively associated with amount and type of volunteer work. (Author/MSE)

A study found that while graduate social work students regard the licensing examination as important to their future and the profession, faculty take the exam into consideration only for advisement, are unfamiliar with its content, and disregard it in curriculum development. (Author/MSE)

In a field practicum based in a low-income community, social work students' sense of empowerment depended on the kind of feedback they received from others. The critical source of feedback was the field instructor. A field setting with limited structural supports is liberating to most students but overwhelming for some. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of issues related to direct practice and clinical dissertations in social work recommends experimental outcome studies that evaluate the efficacy of social work interventions and proposes a national research agenda for social work doctoral programs. (Author/MSE)

A study of social work field instructors' perceptions of the faculty field liaison's role and role performance found that while the role was viewed generally in a positive light, field instructors' perceptions and expectations for the liaison were extremely diverse, raising questions about the adequacy of training and performance. (MSE)

A study of the field practicum in one master's program in social work administration over 10 years looked at student performance and satisfaction and their relationship to tasks performed by students, the auspice of the field placement agency, and student prior experience. The study and its policy implications are discussed. (MSE)