Using a real case scenario in teaching social work with children and families in different practice settings

ABSTRACT

Transforming classroom knowledge into practice competency is particularly challenging in social work with children and families. It involves complex, competitive practice approaches and different service settings with procedures and norms influencing a child’s wellbeing. The paper presents the content, application, and evaluation of a module based on a case scenario which considers the limitations and achievements of social work with children and families in different settings. A mixed-method approach was applied to this review process. Students were given an evaluative questionnaire based on the theoretical framework of experiential learning whereupon they wrote reflective essays describing their learning experience. Case method contributes to the acquisition of reflective, integrative, and stimulating knowledge. The participation level contributes to the students’ satisfaction during such learning. Students have learned that families with multiple and complex needs require a holistic approach that separate systems and services cannot provide. This way of learning, with certain limitations, allows activation and an intensive learning experience for large groups of students relevant for a number of social work schools.

KEYWORDS:

• Child and family social work
• social work education
• experiential learning
• case method
• reflectivity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Erasmus + [2015-1-UK01-KA203-013820].

Notes on contributors

Nevenka Zegarac

Nevenka Zegarac PhD, is a Full Professor and MSW Program Director at the Department of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Belgrade. She is a qualified social worker and a child protection policy, service and programme design and evaluation consultant. Her research areas of interests includes child abuse and neglect, children on the move, alternative care, family support, social work education and social service standards from child’s rights and strengths perspective.

Anita Burgund Isakov

Anita Burgund Isakov PhD is Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Belgrade, working in the area of social work with children and youth, counseling and social case work. Anita has worked with children and youth without parental care for more then 10 years and participated in organization of resilient camps, counseling in child helpline and numerous research projects considering alternative care and social welfare. Her research draws on youth resilience, alternative care, child rights, social welfare and feminism.