Student‐Centered Learning in an Advanced Social Work Practice Course: Outcomes of a Mixed Methods Investigation

Abstract

Using mixed methods, the investigators assessed student perceptions of teaching/learning in a second year Masters‐level advanced practice course. The study sample included 59 MSW students enrolled in one of two sections of the course of an advanced direct practice course. Outcomes of both the qualitative and quantitative components of the evaluation indicate that students were cognizant of the differences between teacher‐centered and student‐centered instruction and appeared to prefer the latter. Outcomes also suggest that development of advanced practice skills was enhanced in the student‐centered class. Implications for social work educators, along with a discussion of the study's limitations are provided.

Keywords:

• Social Work Education
• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
• Teaching Effectiveness
• Social Work Practice