Field Note—Exploring the Use of Arts-Informed Journaling in Social Work Field Seminars

ABSTRACT

This field note explores the use of art and creativity in social work field education as an innovative pedagogical method. We highlight the value of incorporating the arts in field instruction courses, such as field seminar, to illuminate both students’ and clients’ experiences, explore professionalism, and navigate social work practice tensions. Provided are examples of students’ work using arts-based journaling of field experiences, including photo-essays, collage-making, and the use of poetry. These art forms were used to assist students with processing internship experiences, engaging in self-reflection, assessing issues in the field, identifying client strengths and barriers, creating awareness of important social issues, and building practice skills.

Notes

¹ For a copy of this arts-informed journaling assignment, please contact us.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Moshoula Capous-Desyllas

Moshoula Capous-Desyllas is associate professor and the Social Welfare & Social Justice Option Coordinator at California State University Northridge.

Nicole F. Bromfield

Nicole F. Bromfield is associate professor and associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Houston.