Supporting Field-Based Education in Political Settings

ABSTRACT

This article presents findings from a qualitative study of social work students who participated in an intensive block placement in a state legislature. Findings explore what students perceive as the central learning outcomes from field placements in political settings and how they navigate aspects of practice that may differ in critical ways from other social work practice settings. Findings identify challenges social work students face when placed in a political environment as well as strategies and supports students use to navigate these challenges. We discuss implications for creating and sustaining effective social work field placements in political settings to further students’ policy practice competency.

Funding

We gratefully acknowledge the University of Houston’s Small Grants Program for support of this study.

Additional information

Funding

 

Notes on contributors

Suzanne Pritzker

Suzanne Pritzker, MSW, PhD, is Associate Professor, University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.

Liza Barros Lane

Liza Barros Lane, MSW, PhD, is Postdoctoral Associate, Baylor College of Medicine.