Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice into the Macro Practice Curriculum

ABSTRACT

Considerable attention has been directed in preparing social work students to understand the paradigm of evidence-based practice (EBP). The infusion of EBP through training, course instruction, and assignments has the potential to enhance EBP knowledge acquisition in the macro practice curriculum. This article examines an approach to integrating EBP into the curriculum through a training model that is linked with the practice, research, and practicum courses. A preliminary study based on student satisfaction ratings reveals that the approach was effective in helping students to acquire knowledge about the process of EBP and in using evidence to make practice decisions.

KEYWORDS:

• Evidence-based practice
• macro practice
• training
• course assignments
• infusion of EBP

Notes

The author acknowledges the contribution of Gokul S. Mandayam, PhD, and (COPA) faculty for participating in the training and integration of EBP.

∗Required COPA Concentration Course.

∗p < .001, two-tailed t-test, df = 38.