Enhancing social work education: a praxis-based teaching case study on integrating simulation through experiential learning theory

ABSTRACT

This teaching case study takes the reader through a Master in Social Work (MSW) practice course in a northeast city during the 2022–2023 academic year. With the receipt of a small teaching grant, virtual simulation activities were embedded into the course using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and the 2022 Educational Accreditation and Policy Standards (EPAS), which assess anti-racist social work practice. Process recordings allowed for reflective practice, and multiple opportunities for debriefing and feedback were embedded throughout the semester. As the social work profession contends with a changing field education environment post-Coronavirus-19, we must find pedagogical strategies to support skill development in the classroom. This paper recommends using Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) as a blueprint for integrating simulation into the practice curriculum to prepare students for praxis.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work practice
• social work education
• process recordings
• simulation
• experiential learning

Disclosure statement

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

Notes

1. Throughout this paper you will see the word practicum used in place of field. This is to support a growing attention on the use of language in social work practice.

2. Praxis refers to the integration of theory and practice, especially the move from reflection to action which Freire believed could be transformative (Freire & Ramos, 2020).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Course Hero.