Encouraging MSW Students to Write for Publication: A Realistic Goal of the Research Curriculum

Abstract

This paper reports an approach to teaching research for selected and self-selected MSW students that emphasizes production of an article for a professional journal. Special skills needed are identified and the motivational task of the instructor is discussed in terms of a variety of instructor roles. In the 1975–76 academic year, this approach with six student projects led to seven submitted manuscripts, six of which were accepted by national professional journals. It is hoped that a successful research experience will provide practice reinforcement for the continuation of writing and practice-related inquiry by students after graduation.