Critical Thinking Essays
Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to enable students to reflect on and critically evaluate social work practice in a variety of settings, and address issues of diversity with regard to social work practice.
This is an opportunity for students to reflect on the readings in the assigned book, “Days in the Lives of Social Workers” by Linda May Grobman (2005 or 2011). In their essays, students should consider the following as they examine their feelings about the readings:
• The social work values presented in the readings
• Challenges of working with the identified population(s)
• Ethical questions raised by the readings
• Diverse population(s) served and the need for such services in the Houston/Galveston area
• The student’s reaction(s) to the readings
Journal entries are to be typed (12-pt font) and double-spaced with your name, date and journal # as a cover page centered in the middle of the page according to APA format. Essay should be numbered according to APA format and stapled in the upper left-hand corner. Essays should be at least one full page (not including the cover and reference page), but not more than two pages. Critical thinking essays are due at the beginning of class.
Recommended Format
1st paragraph – Summary of Reading
2nd and following paragraphs (choose 2 or 3)
– Social Work Values presented
– Challenges of working with this population
– Ethical questions raised
– The need for such work in the Houston/Galveston Area
2nd to the last paragraph
– Your reaction to the reading
Last Paragraph – Conclusion