Advanced integrated practice: bridging the micro-macro divide in social work pedagogy and practice

ABSTRACT

The authors present an overview of the ‘advanced integrated practice’ approach to MSW education developed by the University of Montana School of Social Work to counter the false dichotomy between ‘micro’ and ‘macro’ social work practice. Advanced integrated practice is articulated through five key facets: 1) commitment to ongoing critical self-reflection and examination of the values and assumptions that shape social work; 2) critical understanding of historical, cultural, and political perspectives and the interplay of difference, privilege, and oppression; 3) integration of the skills of direct practice and community work; 4) application of knowledge and skills of research, policy analysis, and advocacy; and 5) leadership in the profession and community to promote participation, empowerment, and social justice. The authors provide an overview of the program’s context and social-justice framework; develop these five facets of integrated practice; and provide examples to show how this pedagogical approach is translated into curricular design and learning activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work education
• advanced integrated practice
• curriculum
• pedagogy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Janet Finn

Janet Finn is Professor of social work at the University of Montana-Missoula. She holds an MSW from Eastern Washington University and a PhD in anthropology and social work from the University of Michigan. Her interests are in the areas of women’s activism, critical childhood and youth studies, social work theory and history, and social policy analysis.

Jen Molloy

Jen Molloy is an assistant professor in the University of Montana School of Social Work. She holds an MSW from the University of Montana and a PhD in social work from the University of Utah. Her major area of research and instruction focuses on implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of restorative justice practices in education, juvenile justice, and community settings. This interest intersects with other topics including the science of human connection, community and organizational change, and community based research.