Description
Book SynopsisSocial work students consistently struggle to apply theory to practice, or use the knowledge of textbooks and classrooms in the field. Vignettes and scenarios represented in textbooks are often simplistic, too tidy to be realistic, and with clean resolutions. Next Steps: Decision Cases for Social Work Practice highlights the complex, messy nature of social work practice in a way that is engaging to students, allowing them to step into the role of a practicing social worker. This book is a collection of decision cases from multiple areas of social work practice, designed to enhance the quality and depth of classroom case discussion and analysis. These realistic, compelling cases present dilemmas about which even experienced practitioners may disagree. This allows rich classroom discussion that enhances critical thinking, provides real-life application, and creates numerous opportunities to apply content and knowledge acquired throughout a social work education experience.
Trade ReviewFinally! A pedagogical strategy that harnesses the true nature of social work practice as an applied science! This book is a wonderful compilation of complex decision cases designed to challenge each student in different ways, allowing them to test new decision-making paradigms in a psychologically safe and supportive style. I look forward to incorporating these cases into all of my social work practice courses.
--Ali Winters, DSW, LCSW, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Tennessee State University
The decision-making, case method approach to teaching in this book is superior to other case examples that tell students what to think or how to think. The case examples highlight the complexity of social work practice at all levels while assisting students to develop enhanced decision making skills. I am excited to try some of these case examples and the case method approach in the classroom. This book should be adopted and utilized within social work curriculum.
--Kelly Bass, DSW, CSW-PIP, ACS, MSW Program Director, University of South Dakota
Table of ContentsPart One: Bachelor of Social Work Graduates; 1. Bonnie’s Boys; 2. Hunger; 3. Who Belongs?; Part Two: Master of Social Work Practicum Students; 4. All For Love; 5. Involuntary Mindfulness; 6. Crossing the Borderline; 7. Don’t Speak Too Much; Part Three: New MSW Graduates; 8. A Day in the Life; 9. Caring Heart; 10. Judge Not; 11. Disastrous; Part Four: Experienced MSW Practitioners; 12. Ascension; 13. I Want to Hold my Babies; 14. Call Me Cam; 15. Evie’s Urges; 16. You’re Doing This Wrong
