What are Social Work Students’ Perceptions of the Community Practice Method?

ABSTRACT

Summary. A unique aspect of the social work profession is the combination of intervention on the personal, community, and societal levels and their interaction. The purpose of this research is to determine students’ perceptions of community practice. Qualitative research was conducted among Israeli social work students before gaining any practical experience in community practice. Findings. The results demonstrated a change in students’ perceptions of the importance of community practice to the profession, and the factors that contributed to this change. Applications. Recommendations that may contribute to changing students’ perceptions of community practice are offered to educators.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work
• professional conduct
• perception of community practice
• social work practice
• social work education
• community practice
• qualitative research