The following learning objectives will be utilized to meet class goals.
1. The student will integrate knowledge of social work values and ethics as describe in the NASW Code of Ethics by conducting a self-assessment, interviewing practicing social workers.
2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of generalist social work practice through role-plays
3. The student will demonstrate an understanding of diversity and populations at risk through written examinations
4. The student will demonstrate an understanding of social and economic justice
5. The student will identify and examine people and events that shaped the profession of social work and social
6. The student will develop and illustrate an understanding of social service practice settings and the populations served by conducting interviews with practicing social workers
7. The student will interpret the meaning of generalist social work practice and collect information on licensing requirements and curriculum expectations and interviewing a practicing social worker
8. The student will display a general understanding of selected social policies, and the concepts of policy advocacy and policy analysis
9. The student will analyze the effects of poverty through assigned readings, lectures, guest lectures, written examinations and interviews with practicing social workers.
10. The student will compare and contrast liberal and conservative views related to the field of social work and will demonstrate critical thinking in this area.
Professional Interview Paper
Per the syllabus:
1. Each student will be required to interview a professional / Masters level social worker and prepare a written report based on the interview. These assignments reflect course objectives 1-10.
Each written assignment must be type written and double-spaced using APA format. Points will be deducted for errors in grammar, syntax and sentence structure. You are welcome to use SmartThinking for assistance and review prior to submission.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the questions you could ask, but some possible questions you might ask the person you are interviewing are:
• How did you become a social worker? Degrees, schools, etc.
• Why did you become a social worker?
• Do you think your degree in social work has helped you to meet the goals of your job today?
• What is your job today and what is it like?
• Do you have to have an MSW to do your job today?
• What is the one class that you took in school that you feel helps you most today?
• What is one thing that you did not learn in school that you wish you had?
• Do you think that social work is a good profession for new graduates to go into today?
• Be sure to remember to thank them and if you think this might be somewhere you would like to complete a placement, ask them if they take students and to whom would we need to call. It will only be a year until social work majors are ready for practicum!
The preferred method of the interview would be to make an appointment and do it is person. However, due to time constraints of both the student and the practitioner, email and/or telephone communications can also be used to conduct the interview.
Text book: Intro to Social Work & Social Welfare
Critical Thinking Perspectives by Karen K. Kirst-Ashman