A Model for Bridging the Gap between Undergraduate Research and Practice

Abstract

This paper illustrates how a coded recording system used in conjunction with student research and field placement courses can contribute to ending the long-standing estrangement of research from practice in undergraduate social work education. When modified and individualized, it can accommodate a diversity of agency settings, client populations, and practice orientations. It can aid students in sharpening their skills, and becoming more at ease with research. Moreover, this system can contribute to making research relevant to practice, and enabling social work to account more concisely for the interventions of its practitioners.