Reframing Black Social Work Students' Experiences of Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This article draws on critical race theory (CRT) to foreground the role of race and racism in the ways in which Black students experience social work teaching and learning. It reviews some of the available literature on Black social work students' experiences of teaching and learning. The article reframes understandings of the perceived failures of this group of students to adapt to the world of higher education. It is argued that race and racism are salient determining factors in the experiences of Black students within social work education. Emphasis is placed on understanding the specificity of this group of students taking into cognisance the social, cultural, economic, and political contexts within which they are located. The article uses CRT as critical lens to reflect on peer support groups as potential counter spaces that can disrupt the negative experiences of black social work students.

Keywords::

• Critical Theories
• Knowledge
• Black Perspectives
• Values
• Diversity

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my colleague Deirdre Tedmanson for her very insightful comments on the applicability of critical race theory which help me shape the core arguments of this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.