Individualized Educational Approach to Fieldwork in a Community Mental Health Center

Abstract

Social work educators have voiced differing views about the best preparation for practice. Some feel that two types of social workers are needed: one to help people in trouble and one to work toward changing society. Other educators advise that programs be aimed at developing general skills. The authors discovered that by concentrating on producing truly educated individuals this conflict was avoided and graduating interns were prepared for a multitude of careers. This individualized educational approach involved the interns in all educational decisions, which helped develop a mature, creative thinking style.