Learning to Advocate: Evaluating a New Course

ABSTRACT

The authors share the formative evaluation of a counseling elective, Social Justice Advocacy. Researchers used thematic analysis to code student weekly reflection journals. Emergent themes included (a) redefining social justice and advocacy, (b) reflecting on privilege, (c) expanding from advocacy for to advocacy with, and (d) shifting into action. The findings have implications for counselor educators interested in developing a similar course and value for professional counselors who wish to improve their advocacy for clients.

KEYWORDS:

• Advocacy
• course evaluation
• social justice

Acknowledgment

The authors thank research team member Bradley McKibben for his contributions.