TEACHING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AT THE BSW LEVEL: AN EFFECTIVE CAPSTONE PROJECT

Abstract

Developing student competencies related to evidence-based practice (EBP) isbecoming increasingly important as an evidence-based approach to practicebecomes more salient in the field. Although there has been significant discussionin the literature about how to teach EBP at the master's level, there is farless discussion about such instruction in baccalaureate programs. This articledescribes an undergraduate senior capstone project, which, in partnership withinternship activities, developed students' familiarity with EBP concepts andimproved their abilities to search for and use interventions from the professionalliterature. Findings from a survey study of the project indicated that studentsfelt better prepared to use best practices and that the project enhanced theiroverall sense of competence as practitioners.