Learning to Write and Writing to Learn Social Work Concepts: Application of Writing Across the Curriculum Strategies and Techniques to a Course for Undergraduate Social Work Students

Abstract

Although writing is of great importance to effective social work practice, many students entering social work education programs experience serious academic difficulties related to writing effectively and thinking critically. The purpose of this article is to present an introductory social work course that integrates Writing Across the Curriculum pedagogical strategies into the social work curriculum. A brief description of Writing Across the Curriculum is provided, and teaching techniques used in the course, including reading and writing assignments, classroom writing instruction, testing, peer review, writing consultation, and grading rubrics, are described in detail.

Keywords:

• social work education
• Writing Across the Curriculum
• critical thinking
• writing skills

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr. Jeff Galin with the Florida Atlantic University Center for Excellence in Writing, Dr. Michele Hawkins, director of the Florida Atlantic University School of Social Work, and A. C. Frizzell, MSW, of the Florida Atlantic University School of Social Work, for their expertise, support, and encouragement on this project.