Innovating an Undergraduate Social Work Diversity Course: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation

ABSTRACT

Diversity and social justice are essential in the field of social work; therefore, it is essential for social work educators to identify effective methods for teaching diversity courses. This study used a mixed-methods evaluation to assess student perceptions and the impact of innovations on teaching methods and assignments for an undergraduate social work diversity class. Innovations include changes to course structure and assignments. A pre- and posttest using the Social Justice Scale revealed significant improvement in social justice attitudes, goals, and intentions between the beginning and end of the semester. Qualitative findings from a survey and focus groups indicated students perceived the class positively and identified several impacts: increased knowledge, attitudinal changes, and enhanced skills. Implications are discussed.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a course transformation grant from the University of Kansas Center for Teaching Excellence.

Notes on contributors

Megan S. Paceley

Dr. Megan S. Paceley is an assistant professor and the Coordinator for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. She primarily teaches BSW and MSW classes on oppression, social justice, and gender and sexuality. Her research describes and evaluates social work education practices and pedagogies, the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in social work programs, and the relationship between LGBTQ+ youth’s social environments and their health and well-being.

Laurie L. Ramirez

Laurie L. Ramirez is committed to the health and well-being of oppressed populations, particularly those of Indigenous/Latinx populations. She develops helping relationships with Native communities in Kansas and the surrounding areas to engage tribal partners and welfare systems in community interventions. Laurie has experience teaching classes at Haskell Indian Nations University and serves as the advisor for Native students attending the School. Her research interests include culturally grounded social work practice with oppressed populations, diversity, equity and inclusion in social work education, children and families, and evaluation of culturally adapted practices.

Amy E. Wright

Amy E. Wright is an MSW graduate (2019) of the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. While in her graduate program, she served as a graduate research assistant for the evaluation of an undergraduate diversity course. She is interested in improving social justice and diversity education for social workers, particularly in the areas of disability and ableism.