SWISSWhat's being taught at University?
What social work and human service theory and skills are students being exposed to at University that could be explored in placement?
One way of ‘designing in’ ethics into supervision and building in an educational focus is to have an understanding of where your student is at in terms of their theoretical understanding and practice competence. This knowledge will allow you to negotiate learning opportunities and avoid misunderstanding and practice delivery issues.
You can find out from your students what they are learning at University. You can also have a look at their course structure and content and use this as a tool in having a discussion with the student about links between theory and practice.
Here are current links to the course information pages for our degrees. Beware the URL’s can change- if so ring the Field Education Unit and we will assist you.
Courses
Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Justice
Bachelor of Creative Industries/Bachelor of Human Services
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Social Work
More detailed information on unit objectives and content is available by choosing the unit outline option from the drop down menu.
If you are interested in knowing what your student may have been exposed to in relation to ethics and practice challenges you will find a number of units in the social work and human service courses canvas practice expectations and ethical challenges. In all undergraduate human service and social work courses, students must complete a second year unit SWB219. For the Masters SWN006 - The Ethical, Legal and Organisational Context of Practice. The Synopsis of the units:
This unit locates social work practice within its ethical, legal and organisational context. It emphasises the imperative for students to know, understand and actualise core social work values particularly those incorporated in the profession’s national and international codes of conduct, professional standards and ethical practice requirements. The statutory and organisational dimensions of social work practice are described and explored with case scenarios providing opportunities to develop strategies for self- management within diverse organisational contexts.
Having access to this detail of information may help you in assisting your student to make the link between what they have learned at University and the complex realities involved in everyday practice.