On-Campus Practicum

Abstract

Professional social work identity development is a gradual process which should be addressed early in graduate education. This paper describes an introductory three week class experience for first years students conducted on-campus by regular faculty. The model goes beyond the usual orientation to practicum; it focuses on teaching fundamental social work knowledge, values and skills necessary for beginning practice. Based upon identity developed as a social construction, this model is designed to be interactive and experiential. The authors indicate positive results with this model over three years and propose it can be replicated in other social work programs.