Development and Application of a Standards-Based Inventory of Foundation Competencies in Social Work with Groups

Abstract

The International Association for Social Work with Groups Standards for the Practice of Social Work with Groups is an essential document for advancing practice and teaching about social work with groups. However, surveys have reported that many group workers know little about the Standards or about how to teach or apply group work knowledge and skills. This article summarizes the research on the development of a reliable and valid inventory based on the Standards and an effective teaching strategy to improve learning about the Standards. The inventory and teaching method provide tools for advancing evidence-based practice and teaching.

Keywords:

• IASWG Standards
• measurement
• group work
• education
• competencies

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author would like to thank the Board of Directors of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (formerly Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups) for its support in using the Standards to develop the inventory described in this article.