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    Overview

    Uses skills-based training to teach interpersonal skills and professional practice in different settings.

    Study and application of social work roles and skills in preparation for practice.

    This paper prepares students for their fieldwork placements. The objectives of this professional practice paper are based on learning interpersonal skills that will assist students to engage purposefully with the service user of social services. This means assisting students to understand and apply a range of social work skills in different social service contexts.

    About this paper

    Paper title Introduction to Professional Practice
    Subject Social Work
    EFTS 0.1667
    Points 20 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,701.51
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Restriction
    SOWK 320
    Limited to
    MSCW (Applied), PGDipSW
    Contact

    socialwork@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course co-ordinators and lecturers: Susan Wason and Louie Claasen

    Paper Structure
    The paper will include topics related to practice skills. The paper will cover communication skills as well as skills required for placement and practice.
    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching.

    This paper combines three-hour weekly workshops that include role-plays, discussions, observations, readings, and individual and group work. The skill-based learning framework should enable students to cover the course content and assessment requirements and participate cooperatively and supportively with fellow students.

    Textbooks

    Required: Rogers, M., Whitaker, D., Edmondson, D., Peach, D. (2020). Developing Skills and Knowledge for Social Work Practice 2nd edition. London; Thousand Oaks, California; Sage.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Understand social work skills and how they apply to a varity of social work contexts
    • Critically analyse their practice in relation to skills 
    • Reflect on their actions in an applied stiuation and discuss in relation to theory
    • Demonstrate competence in basic interpersonal skills and formal writing before entering a fieldwork placement 

     

     

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Friday 09:00-16:50 9, 18

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    L1 Friday 10:00-12:50 10-12, 15-17, 19-22

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    B1 Friday 09:00-16:50 9, 18
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