Preparing Students for Research and for Work with the Transgender Population: Exploring the Results of an Innovative Course Pairing

Abstract

In an effort to provide opportunities for social work students to develop competencies for research and for working with transgender individuals, the authors paired content in two separate undergraduate courses: cultural competence and research methods. A qualitative research study was designed to assess the impact of this curricular approach. Following completion of the two courses, students participated in focus groups to discuss their experiences and what they learned through the unique course pairing. Analysis of the focus group transcripts revealed that students developed new understanding and knowledge related to research, the transgender population, attitudes about this population, and how to advocate for this population.

KEYWORDS:

• transgender
• experiential learning
• teaching
• social work
• research
• cultural competence