Engaging Students in Macro Issues Through Community-Based Learning

Abstract

This paper describes the revision of a curriculum that was initiated to engage and sustain students' interest in the macro dimension of social work practice. Specifically, we describe how two junior policy courses, a seniormacro practice course, and a research methods course were revised to include a service learning approach. This article provides a review of the literature and focuses on the development of service learning in two social work courses. Results of subsequent research are discussed, indicating service learning provides successful opportunities to engage students in macro social work practice.

Key Words:

• Curriculum
• service learning
• macro practice