More than knowledge: using reading diaries and case studies in an international social work course

ABSTRACT

This paper stems from the understanding that students require more than knowledge to be prepared for the unique challenges awaiting for them in international fieldwork. Therefore, two instruction methods have been applied in an international social work (ISW) course: reading diaries and case studies. These methods have been designed to improve students’ understanding of ISW dilemmas and to enhance critical self-awareness, particularly with regard to relations of power and oppression and their implications on fieldwork abroad. The reading diaries are supported by the present research, while the case studies are discussed theoretically. The findings indicate that students have improved their understanding of ISW dilemmas revolving around power relations. They have learned to identify and examine the complexity of several dilemmas related to their position as fieldworkers in the Global South, while expanding their perspective on ISW. In addition, the case studies have given students the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in the course in different contexts and encouraged creative and critical thinking.

KEYWORDS:

• International social work (ISW)
• case study
• reading diaries
• knowledge
• power relations

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca Ranz

Dr. Rebecca Ranz  is a Lecturer at Sapir College. For five years she was the coordinator of  the International Social Work Track  at the school of social work -Sapir college. She has taught a variety of courses, including: Human Rights Discourse, International social work , "Encountering the other"- work shop preparing    for overseas field work & International social work seminar. Dr. Ranz founded and coordinated the academic relations between the School of Social Work at Sapir College and the Matru Sewa Sangh Institute of Social Work , Nagpur – India. In addition she led  the professional training of the Israeli students during their field placement in India.