Teaching Characteristics and Student Satisfaction: Impact on Social Work Students’ Interest in Policy

ABSTRACT

Social work educators are charged with the important task of preparing students to carry out the noble mission to focus on the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Educators, particularly those who teach social policy, understand that to achieve this mission, it is imperative for social workers to be trained to engage in structural and policy change efforts, regardless of interest in clinical or macro practice. This study explored the characteristics, if any, that make policy instructors in social work effective, as well as instructor characteristics that promote interest in policy work in social work professional practice.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lynn Amerman Goerdt

Lynn Amerman Goerdt is EdD, MSW, associate professor at University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Brooke Blaalid

Brooke Blaalid is MSW, CEO, at Social Justice Research Institute.

Susan E. Elswick

Susan E. Elswick is EdD, LCSW, assistant professor at University of Memphis.

David H. Johnson

David H. Johnson is PhD, associate professor at Millersville University.

Elena Delavega

Elena Delavega is PhD, MSW, associate professor and MSW program director at University of Memphis.

Peter A. Kindle

Peter A. Kindle is PhD, CPA, LMSW, associate professor at University of South Dakota.

Laura Brierton Granruth

Laura Brierton Granruth is PhD, MSW, assistant professor at Millersville University.